Armenian authorities moving toward full control of national borders  by domestic guards

ArmInfo. The Armenian government is taking systematic steps to ensure that national border control is conducted exclusively by Armenian border guards, Vahagn Aleksanyan, an MP from the ruling "Civil Contract" faction, told  reporters on January 19.  According to him, the transition is being  implemented in phases.  Armenia is grateful to the relevant Russian  authorities for the work they have done in this direction. 

The parliamentarian highlighted recent milestones in this transition,  noting that the Zvartnots International Airport checkpoint was the  first major site where control was fully transferred to Armenian  forces. He added that certain sections of the Armenia-Iran border  have also been placed under domestic jurisdiction.  As these  transfers occur, Armenia is progressively expanding and modernizing  its border security capabilities.

Addressing media reports concerning the village of Akhurik in the  Shirak region-where a new flagpole has reportedly been installed  following the removal of the Russian flag-Aleksanyan stated he had no  specific information regarding a change of guard at that particular  location.  "I cannot comment on that specific case; if such a  development occurs, there will be an official announcement,"  Aleksanyan said. "In any case, the borders of Armenia must be guarded  by Armenian border guards."

Earlier, Armenia media, citing diplomatic sources, reported that   Armenian authorities intend to withdraw Russian border troops from  the Akhurik checkpoint in the near future.