Opposition MP Arthur Khachatryan from the Hayastan faction told reporters in parliament that once major infrastructure is completed, the issue of leasing parts of Armenian territory for 99 years may resurface.
He referred to Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan’s August 27 interview, where the minister stated that “for now” leasing to a third party was not under consideration, Pastinfo reported.
Khachatryan noted that both former U.S. President Donald Trump and the U.S. ambassador to Turkey had mentioned the idea of a 99-year lease for a transport route. He argued that the agreement published by the Armenian government left this question open, suggesting that another arrangement might exist.
He added that current documents refer to one year, with possible extensions up to four years, but Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev had earlier said a railway could be built within a year, while Armenia might need three. “I have a reasonable suspicion that after construction, the issue of leasing Armenia’s sovereign territory for 99 years to a third party will return to the agenda,” he said, warning of serious security, bilateral, and regional risks.
Khachatryan also criticized Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, calling his approach inconsistent and unprincipled. He cited contradictions in government rhetoric regarding U.S.–Armenia relations, shifting from “strategic partnership” praise to warnings of increased security risks. According to him, such inconsistency leaves Armenia without a truly reliable ally.
Commenting on foreign policy, Khachatryan warned against building ties with multiple contradictory partners simultaneously—such as both India and Pakistan—arguing this has historically led to failure. He concluded that Armenia’s lack of principled policy is the main reason it currently lacks dependable partners willing to stand by its side.
