Armenia’s agenda regarding negotiations with Turkey has not changed; it continues to be the opening of borders without preconditions and the establishment of diplomatic relations. This was assured by the Vice President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia, Hagop Arshakyan, during a conversation with journalists inside the parliament.
“Since Armenia’s independence, Armenia’s borders have been tense, and we have had thousands of casualties both during war and in peaceful conditions. I believe that the peace agenda we are now advancing, and for which we received votes from our people, is precisely aimed at ensuring the security of our borders and Armenia as soon as possible, so that soldiers no longer perish in peaceful conditions, so that Armenia no longer finds itself in wars,” said Arshakyan.
As for the meeting of the special representatives of Armenia and Turkey, he noted that it was merely their first meeting, and it is normal that there is not much information.
“The first meeting has taken place, the people have become acquainted, our side has presented its agenda, what we are interested in, the Turkish side has brought its agenda, a discussion has taken place. After that discussion, the sides have gone to their capitals to clarify and discuss those agenda items,” said Arshakyan.
Referring to the question of what Armenia is interested in, he said it is the opening of borders without preconditions and the establishment of diplomatic relations.
“Our agenda has not changed. All governments of independent Armenia have declared that our agenda for talking with the Turks is the following: the borders with Turkey must be opened without preconditions and diplomatic relations must be established,” said the Vice President of the National Assembly.
To the question of what confidence there is that Turkey will not raise preconditions, Arshakyan said that such a risk exists. Arshakyan recalled that these meetings and negotiations take place with the mediation of the Russian Federation, and the Russian Foreign Ministry has also responded positively. “I hope that with the help of international partners as well, we will be able to resolve the issue of opening borders and establishing diplomatic relations. And that serves the interests of the Republic of Armenia,” said the Vice President of the National Assembly.
