Azerbaijan has stated it will not deploy troops to the Syunik region in Armenia to establish road and rail links with the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. The clarification came from Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Elin Suleymanov, during a briefing in London reported by Reuters. He underscored that force will not be used to advance any such corridor and dismissed the notion of sending soldiers to secure the proposed Zangezur route. The diplomat’s remarks reflect a preference for resolving transport connectivity through dialogue rather than military means.
According to Suleymanov, Baku intends to pursue an arrangement with Yerevan that would allow safe passage for transport corridors into Azerbaijan through peaceful negotiations, rather than by force. This stance appears aimed at addressing Armenian concerns about a land corridor into their territory in the wake of Azerbaijan’s recent anti-terrorism actions in Nagorno-Karabakh. The emphasis remains on diplomacy and bilateral agreements as the path forward for regional connectivity.
The context of these remarks lies in the broader dispute over Nagorno-Karabakh, where Azerbaijan has carried out operations described by officials as aimed at countering large-scale provocations, disarming armed elements, and facilitating the withdrawal of Armenian forces from the region. The situation has generated regional anxiety about potential military moves to alter territorial control or to create new transit links without Armenian consent.
In late September, developments in Nagorno-Karabakh drew particular attention. A decree issued by Karabakh’s leadership signaled a significant political shift, indicating the dissolution of public institutions and organizations connected with ministries, with a plan to conclude such arrangements by early 2024. These moves have raised questions about governance, security, and the impact on residents living in the region during a period of upheaval. The international community has watched closely, urging restraint and urging all parties to pursue constructive dialogue while safeguarding civilian welfare.
Observers note that the evolving situation in Nagorno-Karabakh could influence regional dynamics, including transport and communications links between Armenia, Azerbaijan, and broader regional actors. The emphasis from Baku on negotiated access reflects a preference for stability and predictable arrangements that can support economic and humanitarian needs without resorting to coercive measures. As discussions continue, the international community remains attentive to assurances that any corridor would operate with clear legal basis and mutual consent, minimizing the risk of escalations that could affect civilians on both sides.
Overall, the central thread of the discourse is that Azerbaijan seeks to manage transport connectivity through peaceful, negotiated means rather than through force. The insistence on dialogue stands in contrast to the potential for unilateral actions that could complicate the regional security landscape. For Armenia, the prospect of a land corridor is met with cautious scrutiny, emphasizing the importance of assurances, transparency, and governance that protects the rights and safety of residents in Nagorno-Karabakh and adjacent areas. The situation remains fluid, with diplomacy viewed as the most viable route to durable arrangements that support regional cooperation while respecting sovereignty and security concerns on all sides.
As events continue to unfold, analysts and policymakers stress the need for verifiable agreements that outline the terms of any corridor, including transit rights, security arrangements, and conflict-prevention mechanisms. The aim is to prevent any misinterpretation of intentions and to reduce the likelihood of miscalculation in a region long affected by clashes and political volatility. In this climate, the call for peaceful negotiation resonates with broader international calls for dialogue, restraint, and humanitarian consideration for communities living in areas touched by these tensions.