The Armenian government is reportedly preparing to open the Zangezur Corridor under different names.

Axar.az reports that this was reported by Hraparak.

The article notes that a statement made today by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s spokesperson, Nazeli Baghdasaryan, leaves little doubt that the corridor will be opened:

“Previously, there was talk of outsourcing, but now terms like leasing, rental, and construction rights are being introduced. As she stated, there are also other nuances that may carry different meanings. From Baghdasaryan’s remarks, it appears that the railway, pipeline, and power lines running through Western Zangezur could be handed over to an external company for management. In other words, the corridor may be labeled in many ways, but the fact remains: it is being handed over.”

According to the source, Baghdasaryan’s statement is a de facto official announcement that the corridor will be opened.

Previously, when addressing media claims that control of the corridor might be given to a foreign company, Baghdasaryan insisted that Armenia’s territorial integrity, sovereignty, and jurisdiction could never be transferred to anyone. However, she acknowledged that the operation and management of roads, railways, and other infrastructure could be entrusted to private companies: “This has been a normal and long-standing practice.”

It’s worth noting that U.S. Ambassador to Turkiye, Thomas Barrack, had earlier stated that his country had offered to take control of the Zangezur Corridor. He emphasized that the U.S. proposed a 100-year period of oversight.