Nikol Pashinyan’s administration is pushing ahead with legislation to implement the U.S.-backed Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP), despite unresolved concerns over Armenian sovereignty, Azerbaijan’s continued occupation of Armenian territory and the lack of binding guarantees for Armenia.
On November 12, Parliament convened an extraordinary session to consider seven legislative amendments facilitating the establishment of the TRIPP Development Company. Pashinyan’s government proposed fast-tracking the legislation, allowing a second reading within 24 hours and only three hours for submitting amendments.
The move follows the October 28 ratification of the Armenian-U.S. TRIPP framework agreement, passed with 63 votes in favor and 32 against. Only Pashinyan’s ruling “Civil Contract” party supported the agreement, while the opposition voted against it.
Under the framework, the American side would control 74% of the TRIPP Development Company, leaving Armenia with 26% for an initial 49 years. The project would provide Azerbaijan with its long-demanded connection to Nakhijevan through Armenia’s strategically critical Syunik region.
As 301 previously reported, the route could become operational before Azerbaijan signs the so-called peace agreement, despite the absence of enforceable reciprocal transit guarantees for Armenia.
The agreement formally recognizes Armenian sovereignty, but questions remain about the practical implications of long-term foreign control over infrastructure operations. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev continues referring to the project as the “Zangezur corridor,” despite Armenia’s longstanding objections to that designation.
301 has also documented how infrastructure discussions have advanced while Azerbaijani forces continue occupying Armenian territory, including parts of Syunik. Iran has separately demanded security guarantees concerning foreign involvement near its border.
Meanwhile, Azerbaijan continues demanding constitutional changes from Armenia, Armenian hostages and political prisoners remain illegally held in Baku, and the consequences of Azerbaijan’s military aggression and forced ethnic cleansing of Artsakh’s Armenian population remain unresolved.
The legislation would move TRIPP closer to implementation without resolving fundamental questions over reciprocal access, territorial security and Armenia’s negotiating leverage. It would also advance a strategic transport connection sought by Azerbaijan while major disputes between the two countries remain unsettled.
