Afət Ziyadqızı
Armenia’s parliament has ratified a framework agreement on the “TRIPP” (Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity) transport route through Syunik Province.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that 63 lawmakers voted in favor of the document and 32 against. The opposition Strong Armenia and Armenia factions opposed the agreement.
After being reviewed by the parliament’s foreign relations committee, the document was discussed in detail at a plenary session. Speaking during the debate, Foreign Minister and Minister of International Trade Ararat Mirzoyan did not rule out implementing the project before a peace agreement is signed with Baku. He said that implementing TRIPP and other joint initiatives could, in itself, make a positive contribution to the process of signing a peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
The TRIPP (Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity) project envisages the creation of a strategic transit corridor through Armenia’s Syunik Province. It is emphasized that the project will operate solely within Armenia’s jurisdiction and sovereignty.
Under the agreement, Armenia grants the United States exclusive rights to develop the route for up to 99 years. Azerbaijan aims to establish a land link with Nakhchivan via the route.
The United States is expected to hold a controlling stake in the operating company established under the project, with an initial ownership split of 74% for the United States and 26% for Armenia. If the term is extended, Armenia’s share could increase to 49%.
The framework agreement, initialed during U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to Yerevan, was formally signed in early June.
