Armenia-Turkey Border Temporarily Opens: An Opportunity for…

The Armenia-Turkey border is opening for ten days to send humanitarian aid to Syria. The situation is viewed differently by analysts—some see it as a step toward gradual normalization, while others believe it’s a symbolic gesture. Turkey continues to tie border negotiations to relations with Azerbaijan, and past agreements remain unfulfilled.

The Armenia-Turkey border is set to open for a ten-day period, facilitating humanitarian aid delivery to Syria via the Margara checkpoint. This initiative is coordinated through diplomatic channels, marking the second such opening since February 2023, when Armenia sent aid to Turkey after an earthquake. Analysts are divided on whether this signals a potential long-term reopening of the border or is merely a symbolic act.

Despite Turkey recognizing Armenia in December 1991, the countries have yet to establish formal diplomatic relations. Türkiye closed its border unilaterally in 1993, and discussions for normalizing ties have gained momentum since the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. However, Turkey insists that any negotiations must also consider its relationship with Azerbaijan.

The Armenian government aims for quick and cost-effective aid transport through the Turkish route, but specific details regarding the aid volume have not been made public. The formal agreement for this assistance resulted from meetings between Armenian and Syrian representatives, with officials stressing the efficiency of this overland route.

In July 2022, Armenia and Turkey’s envoys agreed to eventually reopen their land border for third-country nationals and diplomatic passport holders, promising swift action. Yet, this commitment remains unfulfilled nearly two years later, with Armenia ready to operate the Margara checkpoint, while Turkey links progress to a peace agreement with Azerbaijan.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan remains optimistic about future diplomatic relations with Turkey. He expressed hopes for an open border and direct business ties, despite ongoing trade occurring through indirect means. Pashinyan defended the stalled 2022 agreement, emphasizing that it doesn’t indicate a failure in dialogue but signals a future normalization dependent on a consistent, respectful approach.

Political analyst Robert Gevondyan views the checkpoint’s temporary reopening as a pivotal step toward re-establishing open borders, suggesting gradual progress may be achieved soon. Conversely, Turkologist Nelli Minasyan remains doubtful, considering the opening insignificant in the broader context of Armenian-Turkish relations and likely to be a brief occurrence focused solely on humanitarian aid.

The temporary opening of the Armenia-Turkey border for humanitarian aid highlights ongoing attempts at diplomatic engagement, though analysts remain divided on its implications for future relations. Despite past agreements left unfulfilled, Armenian officials stress their commitment to normalization, while Turkish ties to Azerbaijan complicate proceedings. Overall, the development reflects both the potential for improved interaction and the challenges that remain.

Original Source: jam-news.net