Azeri Experts in Yerevan on "Corridor," Aliyev's Remarks

Azerbaijani experts in Yerevan, participating in a forum organized by the "Orbeli" center, spoke with journalists about several key issues for relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, presenting Baku's perceptions of "unimpeded passage," the "Zangezur corridor," and President Aliyev's recent statements.

Answering the question of what "unimpeded passage" represents in Baku's view, expert Zaur Shiriyev noted that Azerbaijan's position remains the same: to have fast and unimpeded communication. He emphasized that they expect US support in ensuring this. "I think the US should ensure unimpeded access. It is the US's responsibility to help Armenia organize that," he said, adding that the practical mechanisms for it still need to be clarified. The speaker also highlighted that the population of Nakhichevan, which has suffered from the conflict, should benefit from this process.

Regarding the term "Zangezur corridor," Rusif Huseynov, head of the "Topchubashov" center, noted that for Azerbaijan, it is a broader concept and does not relate to TRIPP. "Unlike in Armenia, it does not have a negative connotation; when we say the term corridor, it is perceived differently in Armenia and differently in Azerbaijan," he stressed.

Journalists also asked how the experts view Ilham Aliyev's recent statements that there is no Lake Sevan, but there is "Goycha," and whether this rhetoric hinders the peace process. The Azerbaijani experts avoided a direct answer, stating that the question should be addressed to official persons. However, as an expert opinion, they suggested checking the Washington agreement, which mutually accepts the clause on the inviolability of borders.