Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister Mnatsakan Safaryan confirmed that Yerevan is open to considering proposals to outsource certain logistical aspects of regional connectivity infrastructure—provided they fully align with Armenia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and legal jurisdiction.

Speaking to RFE/RL, Safaryan clarified that any such arrangements must adhere strictly to the principles of Armenia’s “Crossroads of Peace” initiative. While declining to name specific countries, he acknowledged that proposals from international actors—including the United States—are currently under review.

“Several such proposals are under discussion. They could be considered if they align with Armenia’s interests and with the principles Armenia has announced,” Safaryan stated.

His remarks, alongside the official readout of the July tenth Pashinyan–Aliyev meeting which called bilateral talks the “most effective format,” triggered backlash from opposition figures.

Suren Surenyants, head of the opposition Democratic Alternative party, condemned the developments as proof of Armenia’s “logic of continuous capitulation,” warning that bilateral talks—absent international oversight—risk favoring Baku’s demands on borders, refugees, and military arrangements.

In response, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Ani Badalyan clarified the government’s position. Writing on Facebook, she stated that Safaryan’s comments had been distorted in some media reports and reaffirmed that Armenia categorically rejects the concept of “third-party control.”

Safaryan’s remarks, she said, clearly restated Armenia’s red lines, leaving no room for ambiguity: all proposals and decisions must operate within the constitutional and legal framework of the Republic of Armenia.

Badalyan called on media partners to avoid spreading misinformation or distortions that could undermine sensitive diplomatic processes, particularly at a time when Armenia is engaged in high-level dialogue with Azerbaijan.

“We urge our media partners to refrain from publications and actions that deliberately distort reality. We expect this publication to be removed, refuted, and disseminated,” she added.