YEREVAN — Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan has stated that unrestricted transit through the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) does not mean that all types of cargo will be permitted to pass through Armenian territory. Armenia will retain the right to prohibit the transportation of certain goods, including weapons and ammunition.
Mirzoyan made the remarks during a meeting of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Foreign Relations, where lawmakers discussed the ratification of the agreement signed between Armenia and the United States concerning the TRIPP project.
Responding to a lawmaker’s question about whether Armenia could refuse entry to certain types of cargo, Mirzoyan confirmed that such restrictions would remain in place.
“Of course, it can. There is also an understanding between Armenia and Azerbaijan on this matter that prohibited cargo, such as weapons and ammunition, cannot pass through,” the minister said.
He noted that many countries maintain established lists of goods prohibited from crossing their borders.
Mirzoyan further clarified that the concept of unrestricted transit refers to eliminating artificial obstacles, particularly those imposed for political reasons, rather than removing legitimate border controls and regulatory procedures.
“All reasonable measures carried out within the framework of customs and border authorities’ powers and existing legislation do not constitute obstacles,” he emphasized.
The TRIPP initiative is an Armenian-American investment project intended to establish an unhindered transportation link between mainland Azerbaijan and its Nakhichevan exclave through Armenian territory.
