Yusatafa Ahmad has been transporting goods from Iran to Armenia and back for 7 years already. Even in the harsh days of winter, there was no such case where they stayed on the road for days. “I think the leaders of Iran, Armenia, and Azerbaijan should discuss this and find a way. It cannot continue like this. Or they think us drivers are a neglected class,” says Yustafa.
He is one of the Iranian drivers from whom the Azerbaijanis on the Goris-Vorotan road charge money for traveling. They still have food. He was showing the truck warehouse. “I have just arrived. It has been 3 days, but I do not want to go to Yerevan. I can only stay in Vorotan because I have no money to give them. It is better for me to stay in Kapan,” said Usatafa.
Read also
About 20 trucks were parked in the Kapan-Syunik settlement. Iranian drivers rely on their employers to send the required amount, pay the cargo, empty, and go back to Iran, waiting for the issue to be resolved. And Ali Molahi decided to wait for two days and go back to Tehran. “They want money, $130, but I have no money. Azerbaijan wants it. My employer says, I can not give it, you have to. I have five children. Where do I get it from?” says Ali Molahi.
Iranian drivers have not refused to travel on the alternative Tatev-Aghvan highway, but the road is still under construction. It is not in good condition or suitable for their trucks. Ali Molahu’s truck is not so big, but it will not go that way. “I am transporting glass. If it breaks, I have to pay. It would be because of me. I do not have $260 to give to the Azerbaijanis, how will I pay for the glass?” he said. Another driver drove on the alternative route when the Meghri-Yerevan road was closed.
He complained that his truck broke down and he had to spend a lot of money to repair it. Many drivers asked not to be photographed. A few days ago, two of their friends were arrested, and they were afraid that the Azerbaijanis would see their photos and that they would be in danger when passing through that area of Vorotan.
Armen Davtyan
