The matter of construction of the Kajaran tunnel of the North-South highway was discussed with the Iranian side. Gnel Sanosyan, Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure of Armenia, announced this to reporters Monday.

"The Syunik [Province] section of the highway has three sectors: from Sisian to Kajaran, the Kajaran tunnel, and from Kajaran to Agarak. Regarding the other two sectors, we have partners with whom we have already passed the discussion stage. The funding sources are clear, and we have a competitive process. Regarding the tunnel, we want to work with Iranian partners, and, if possible, with an Iranian loan or state budget funds—with a convenient option—with an Iranian company. First of all, Iranian companies have the ability to build good tunnels, and in addition, they can submit good proposals—from a financial point of view," said Sanosyan.

According to him, the large accumulation of cars at the Upper Lars checkpoint on the Russian-Georgian border occurs because the relevant services of Russia have to inspect the cars more thoroughly now.

"The capacity is decreasing, but we are trying to resolve the problem together with our Russian and Georgian colleagues," he said.

And as to whether the ruling power in Armenia could sign a peace treaty with Azerbaijan while the latter’s military forces are still in the sovereign territory of Armenia, Sanosyan believes that the peace treaty is the right way for resolving issues.

"The peace treaty implies the restoration of sovereign territory," the Armenian official added.