Azerbaijan Abolishes Simplified Border Crossings for Iran Border Residents

Yesterday the Milli Majlis adopted solutions that abrogate the agreement on border crossing facilitation of Azerbaijan and Iran citizens who live in border areas.

In particular, they canceled the intergovernmental memoranda of 2005 and 2006, regarding of border crossing simplification in Nakhchivan, affecting citizens of both countries living at a distance 45 km from the border.

Two years ago, Iran completely abolished visa requirements for citizens of Azerbaijan. So, yesterday's decision by Azerbaijan means a ban for Iranian citizens living in the border areas.

The memoranda cancellation by the Azerbaijani government is motivated by the fact that the special regime for residents of border regions is a “relic of the Soviet Union”, as well as by the need to create a single law.

However, the border regions population of Azerbaijan and Iran, and particularly Nakhchivan, fear Tehran could take action and restore the visa regime. Making things more difficult for Nakhchivan, whose residents have to make trips to Baku by bus or car, through Iran.

The facts on the economic cost are expressed in Iran’s support in business activity in Nakhchivan. "They come for the weekend and on holidays, fill the hotels, and spend money, visit tourist sites, and shop. Iranians are buyers of many products in Nakhchivan, especially electrical and domestic appliances." said a Nakhchivan resident.

The Iranian Embassy had no immediate comment on the Parliament of Azerbaijan’s decision.

As for Azerbaijan citizens, many of them go to Iran for treatment or shopping. -06B-