It seems we must now refer to the territory of Armenia in the past tense - Taguhi Tovmasyan
"It seems we must now refer to the territory of Armenia in the past tense and that is advised to do with clear judgement and common sense which is unacceptable," the Head of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Protection of Human Rights and Public Affairs Taguhi Tovmasyan stated on Thursday, commenting on PM Pashinyan's statement about the establishment of Azerbaijani customs checkpoints on the Goris-Kapan road section in Syunik Province of Armenia.
Tovmasyan informed she invited an urgent working discussion on the matter, sending an invitation to Pashinyan as well, however the latter didn't appear. The Chairwoman of the NA Committee read out five demands on the occasion of which the meeting was called for.
"What are the grounds for Pashinyan to state that the Azerbaijani customs checkpoints are not located in the territory of Armenia if no delimitation and demarcation have been conducted? What are the legal grounds to state the Azerbaijani checkpoint is out of the territory of Armenia and what maps are taken as basis for that assertion? Any changes of the state border are made through amendments to the Law on State Border. We have not made any changes to the Law, consequently the statement is controversial from the legal point of view. What is the process of free and safe movement of goods and people under Azerbaijan's border and customs control? What problems may people driving through Goris-Kapan roadway face and what are the mechanisms for protecting their right to life, free movement and other fundamental rights?" Tovmasyan said.
The opposition lawmaker said she expected answers to the raised questions from the government, expressing hope any representative from the executive branch would appear at the Committee sitting.