Pashinyan says border delimitation must precede enclave exchange

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has commented at a briefing on delimiting the border with Azerbaijan and the possible exchange of former enclave/exclave territories. He stressed that a precise delimitation process must be completed before any territorial exchange between the parties.

Operative Information Center-OMM reports that Pashinyan described the exchange of territories as a complex process requiring in-depth legal and technical analysis, adding that the option has long been part of the peace agenda.

“I sense that an understanding is taking shape in Armenia and Azerbaijan that such a practical solution is needed, and that the issue is becoming more concrete. We all understand that alternative scenarios could create numerous difficulties for residents of border villages in terms of communications and crossing the border,” the Armenian prime minister said.

In Pashinyan’s view, clarifying and exchanging the enclaves is consistent with the constructive resolution of existing border issues, rather than creating new sources of tension.

“First, however, the delimitation process must be conducted within a full legal framework. We need to establish the physical and legal boundaries of Bashkend (referred to by the Armenian side as ‘Artsvashen’) and other relevant territories on the basis of precise maps, so that a fair and sound legal and political solution can be found,” he added.

Pashinyan has previously said that resolving enclave and exclave issues along the border is important for ensuring lasting peace and security in the South Caucasus. He said Azerbaijan and Armenia should assess the possibility of exchanging the relevant territories on the basis of precise topographic measurements and legal documents.