The “Hraparak” daily reports that according to a joint statement on the border demarcation and delimitation between Armenia and Azerbaijan, certain issues need to be addressed by specific deadlines. By May 15, the evacuation of residents from four villages in the Tavush region should be resolved, and by July 1, both parties should agree on the work schedule for the demarcation process, including the order in which issues will be resolved, such as landmines and unexploded ordnance.

This means that the issue of the four villages remains unresolved. According to a letter written by Mher Grigoryan, Armenia is required to return Upper Voskepar, Sofulu-Barkhudarlu, and Tigranashen, which are referred to as “exclave villages,” to Azerbaijan. In recent years, these three villages have been surrounded by Armenian territory for economic and agricultural purposes.

One of these villages, Tigranashen (Kyarqi), covers an area of 8.4 sq km and is located on the interstate road that connects Yerevan, Yeraskh, Goris, Meghri, and the Iran border. It is situated approximately 15 km from the center of the Tavush region, Ijevan. Although it is currently uninhabited, it is used by the surrounding villages of Ditar, Azatamut, Kayani, and Aygevith for defense and agricultural purposes.

The intergovernmental road connecting Vanadzor and Goris in Armenia passes through the interstate road near Voskepar, covering an area of 44.2 sq km. A decision has been made by the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) to demarcate the largest exclave village, located in Vanadzor, with an area of 25.6 sq km.

During the joint discussions, some officials suggested exchanging Tigranashen for Artsvashen due to their similar geographical locations. However, if Armenia were to receive Artsvashen, it would be challenging for Armenians to leave and return to Armenian territory. Prime Minister Pashinyan has taken a firm stance on this matter, and any withdrawal from the territory of the Republic of Armenia would result in legal consequences for him. Consequently, the evacuation of Tigranashen seems impossible, and Artsvashen would only be returned on paper, with no Armenian residents.

There are rumors that both President Aliyev and Prime Minister Pashinyan have financial motives to continue their game, even if the grain has already been brought back. However, the “smart Armenians” have not shown interest in moving there to live. Considering this, the evacuation is likely to occur only after Azerbaijani forces have left the area.