Armenia expects Turkey to act on border deal

PanARMENIAN.Net - In the process of normalizing Armenia–Turkey relations, several steps have already been implemented, while Armenia is now waiting for the agreement on opening the border to third-country citizens to be carried out, said National Assembly Vice Speaker and special envoy Ruben Rubinyan.

He noted that in the initial phase, flights between Yerevan and Istanbul were resumed after having been suspended for several years. Agreements were also reached on ensuring direct air cargo transportation and on restoring the historic Ani bridge, which is currently in the documentation phase, according to 1lurer.am .

“The most significant agreement is to open the border for third-country citizens and holders of diplomatic passports. We have done our part, including restoring the checkpoint. The good news is that the Turkish side has finally started work this year on restoring the checkpoint, and we are waiting for the implementation of the agreement. In this sense, the ball is not in our court,” he said.

Responding to remarks about a possible slowdown in the process, Rubinyan stated: “Peace has been established, but processes should follow their course. There are no issues or preconditions on our side. The agreement exists and must be implemented.”

Commenting on suggestions that Turkey may be waiting for a peace agreement with Azerbaijan, he said: “In any case, that would not be logical.”

Rubinyan also said he will not attend the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, though Armenia will be represented.

This year, Armenia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Vahan Kostanyan will participate in the forum, which is scheduled for April 17–19. The Armenian Foreign Ministry has not yet issued an official statement.