Armenia’s parliament ratified a framework agreement with the United States on strategic cooperation over the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity, or TRIPP, by a vote of 63-32 on Oct. 28.
No lawmakers abstained. The governing Civil Contract faction backed ratification, while the opposition Strong Armenia and Hayastan factions voted against it.
The agreement, signed by Yerevan and Washington in June, provides for multimodal transport links across Armenian territory. The route is expected to connect mainland Azerbaijan with the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic while also giving Armenia transport access to third countries through Azerbaijan.
Armenian Sovereignty Remains in Force
Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said infrastructure restored or built on Armenian territory would operate under Armenia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and jurisdiction.
The framework provides for a TRIPP Development Company in which Armenia would hold a 26% stake and the United States 74% during an initial 49-year term. If cooperation is extended for another 50 years by mutual agreement, Armenia’s share would rise to 49% and the U.S. share would fall to 51%.
Mirzoyan said the company’s charter and shareholders’ agreement still need to be negotiated and adopted. Ratification completes the parliamentary stage but does not by itself finish those implementation arrangements.
Sources: Vesti Baku; Armenpress; ARKA.