Sargis Khandanyan: Armenia is ready to discuss simplified customs and border regime with Azerbaijan, but not an unimpeded passage

Armenia is ready to discuss with Azerbaijan a simplified customs and border regime, but not an unimpeded passage, Chair of the Standing Committee on Protection of Human Rights and Public Affairs Sargis Khandanyan told RFE/RL’s Armenian Service.

According to him, these are red lines that Armenia cannot concede.

“The unblocking process should be based on clear principles, including powers, sovereignty, and equality. It is crucial that customs and other control mechanisms operate at the borders of states to ensure the safety of both goods and the passage of citizens,” he said.

According to Khandanyan, there are various methods of customs and border control, including simplified ones. Certain modern technologies that are used are also under discussion.

However, unimpeded passage, as they try to formulate it, is unacceptable for Armenia since, to a certain extent, it again implies extraterritoriality, which is a violation of the country’s sovereignty.