Pashinyan on TRIPP passport and customs control: Instruments for  ensuring sovereignty cannot be weakened

ArmInfo.  Instruments for ensuring sovereignty cannot be weakened - they include both passport and customs control. Similarly, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol  Pashinyan addressed questions from Armenian media in Washington  regarding the implementation of these types of controls on the Trump  International Road for Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) in Armenia and  whether all processes will be carried out  in parallel.

"Our state institutions must implement this," he noted, emphasizing  that sovereignty means that the state operates fully with all its  institutions. Regarding the simultaneity of the processes, Pashinyan  pointed out that the document has already addressed this issue and  everything should happen accordingly. "There should be no  discrepancies in the substantive sense. Everything is already  happening simultaneously - the declaration was signed at the same  time. The only question that may  arise about the pace of  construction - what should be ready initially, and what can come  later," Pashinyan said.

The Prime Minister also referred to the Armenian government's   "Crossroads of Peace" project, which indicates that the Armenian side  is willing to make certain simplifications. In this vein, he admitted  that in 5-10 years we will see the current methods of passport and  customs control becoming outdates. In particular, he referred to the  American experience, where advanced technologies  are being used  control purposes.

Pashinyan noted that one of the signed memorandums of understanding  with the United States concerns precisely strengthening the  capabilities and potential of Armenia's border and customs services.  "And I am sure that this proposal will be voiced, because preliminary  discussions have already taken place. And if we gain access to these  technologies and devices, we will be able to simplify all procedures  as much as possible," he added.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed that all possible processes will take  place within Armenia's jurisdiction, sovereignty and territorial  integrity. He also noted the importance of adhering to the principle  of reciprocity. "Now we need to focus on timely, effective and  high-quality construction,"  the head of the Armenian government  said. Additionally, he highlighted the possibility of  implementing  other significant infrastructure projects, such as launching a gas  pipeline, oil pipeline, power line, and Internet cables in addition  to opening roads and railway communication "All developments will be  within the jurisdiction, sovereignty and territorial integrity of  Armenia," Pashinyan concluded.