The Armenia-Turkey border opens for ten days to facilitate aid to Syria, marking the second temporary opening this year. Diplomatic discussions are ongoing regarding the normalization of relations, but prior promises remain unfulfilled. Analysts express differing views on the implications of this development, with some seeing it as hopeful while others view it as a remote possibility.
The Armenian-Turkish border is temporarily open for ten days, facilitating the transport of humanitarian aid to Syria via the Margara checkpoint. This initiative was coordinated through diplomatic channels, as confirmed by Armenia’s Foreign Ministry. This reopening is the second instance within the year, the first occurring in February 2023 after an earthquake in Turkey prompted humanitarian assistance from Armenia.
Some analysts interpret this reopening as a potential step towards a more permanent resolution regarding the historically closed border, while others remain skeptical, considering it merely a symbolic gesture. Despite recognizing Armenia as a state in December 1991, Turkey has not established formal diplomatic relations, and in 1993, it closed its border with Armenia unilaterally.
Discussions regarding normalizing relations intensified post the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war, but Turkey insists that any negotiations are closely linked to Armenia’s relationship with Azerbaijan. Meetings between special representatives from both nations occurred recently, with further dialogue anticipated to unfold regarding Armenia’s position in the evolving landscape.
Armenia has initiated the movement of aid by land, aiming for efficiency and a reduced delivery timeline. The purchase details and volume of the humanitarian aid have not been disclosed, but prior working sessions between Armenian and Syrian authorities facilitated the agreement. Following governmental resolution, the Turkish route was selected to expedite aid transport.
The anticipated border deal, discussed in July 2022, remains unfulfilled despite commitments to implement it expediently. While Armenia claims readiness at the Margara checkpoint, Turkey ties any progress in negotiations to a peace agreement with Azerbaijan, indicating a more cautious approach going forward.
Recent engagements have included ten Turkish media outlets visiting Armenia as part of a state-funded press initiative to convey Armenia’s peace perspectives. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan expressed hopes for enhanced diplomatic relations, direct transportation links, and business collaborations between the two countries. He emphasized that the unfulfilled agreements should not be perceived as failures, but rather as opportunities for progress.
Political analyst Robert Gevondyan views the temporary opening as a significant first step toward a gradual normalization of the Armenia-Turkey border. Conversely, Turkologist Nelli Minasyan cautions that this reopening is unlikely to produce long-lasting change in their relations, characterizing the humanitarian aid as an isolated incident concerning a third country. She expressed skepticism that the checkpoint would remain operational beyond the ten-day period.
The temporary reopening of the Armenia-Turkey border for humanitarian aid signifies a diplomatic gesture, albeit it may not lead to substantial change. While some experts remain hopeful for a gradual normalization, others caution against overstating the implications. The complex geopolitical environment, including relations with Azerbaijan, continues to influence Armenia-Turkey relations, leaving future agreements uncertain.
Original Source: jam-news.net
