Armenian PM Pashinyan Addresses Border Delimitation Concerns in Tavush Region

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan met with residents of the border village of Kirants in Tavush Province on April 30, 2024 to discuss the ongoing process of delimitation and demarcation of the borders between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The meeting aimed to address the concerns raised by residents regarding the agreed-upon version of the border delimitation.

During the meeting, Pashinyan emphasized the importance of territorial specification for sovereignty and statehood. He explained that the applicability of rights and responsibilities is directly related to the concreteness and territorial integrity of the territory. The Prime Minister stated that the border delimitation process with Azerbaijan in the Tavush Province aims to strengthen the range of rights and responsibilities of citizens, which will guarantee the development and existence of the Armenian state. "The ongoing process concerns the re-establishment of the state border, not the change of territory, and is based on legally valid maps and documents from the time of the collapse of the USSR," Pashinyan clarified.

The border delimitation commission has agreed to start the process from the Tavush Province, with a protocol-description to be agreed upon and signed by May 15. As a result of the delimitation, Azerbaijan will receive 2.5 villages, while Armenia will see a reduction in security risks. Some changes to the motorway in Kirants village are planned, but Voskepar village will not have a motorway problem. After the delimitation, the armed forces of both countries will withdraw, and border guards will replace them.

However, residents of Tavush's border villages have been protesting against the agreed version of the border delimitation. The Tavush for the Homeland civil movement issued a statement criticizing Pashinyan's meeting, stating that it failed to address the concerns of Kirants residents and their questions remained unanswered. The movement accused the government of making unconstitutional and unilateral territorial concessions to Azerbaijan, and called for an end to the "illegal" border delimitation process.

Why this matters: The border delimitation process between Armenia and Azerbaijan has significant implications for the security and sovereignty of both nations. The concerns raised by residents in the affected regions highlight the complex challenges faced by the Armenian government in navigating this sensitive issue while ensuring the protection of its citizens' rights and interests.

Speaker of Parliament Alen Simonyan expressed hope that the entire border between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be delimited through this process, enhancing the protection of the area. He emphasized that the delimitation is not a unilateral concession, as it also involves the recognition of the Armenian border by Azerbaijan. The Ministry of Justice of Armenia issued a statement denying claims that any part of Armenia's sovereign territory is being transferred to Azerbaijan, stating that the 4 villages under discussion belonged to Soviet Azerbaijan according to the maps in force at the time. The ministry also refuted claims of violations of Armenia's laws, affirming that the process is being carried out in accordance with relevant international agreements.

Key Takeaways

• Armenian PM Pashinyan met Tavush residents to discuss border delimitation with Azerbaijan.
• Delimitation aims to strengthen Armenia's sovereignty and citizens' rights in the region.
• Agreed protocol to be signed by May 15, with Azerbaijan receiving 2.5 villages, Armenia reducing security risks.
• Tavush residents protest the agreed delimitation, accusing govt of unconstitutional territorial concessions.
• Govt denies any transfer of sovereign territory, stating delimitation follows Soviet-era maps and international agreements.