Armenia must develop a mechanism that will allow it to take advantage of the opportunities for opening regional communications. At the same time, the risks and threats that may arise for Iran regarding the possible participation of the United States must also be taken into account.
Modern.az reports that Iran's Ambassador to Armenia, Khalil Shirgholami, stated this at a press conference on Wednesday, commenting on the US "TRIPP" ("Trump route") project.
"Iran's concern about the presence of Americans near its borders is completely logical. These concerns must be clearly answered," the diplomat noted.
According to him, the Armenian authorities have informed Tehran that the implementation of the project with the possible participation of the United States will not create any challenges or threats for Iran.
The TRIPP project ("Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity") envisages the creation of a strategic transit corridor that will pass through Armenia's Zangazur territory.
This road will also connect the main part of Azerbaijan with the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic.
According to the published concept, the route will operate within Armenia's jurisdiction and will not affect the country's sovereignty. In addition, it is stated that the United States may acquire special rights for up to 99 years regarding the development of this corridor.
It is noted that in the company to be created within the framework of the project, the US side will initially have a 74 percent share, and Armenia will have a 26 percent share, and Armenia's share can be increased to 49 percent when the agreement is extended.
On May 26, during US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's visit to Yerevan, the parties initially agreed on a framework agreement on strategic partnership within the TRIPP project, as well as the Armenia-US comprehensive strategic partnership charter.
