Ankara is honest in its efforts to normalize ties with Armenia, in response to diplomatic sources.
A yr has handed because the first talks for the re-normalization of relations between Türkiye and Armenia. Resuming direct flights between the 2 international locations and eradicating obstacles to direct air cargo commerce have performed essential roles within the course of.
After the Second Karabakh War, which began between Azerbaijan and Armenia in September 2020 and went 44 days, the ice began to once more soften between Ankara and Yerevan.
After optimistic messages from each international locations, particular representatives have been appointed for normalization talks.
Serdar Kilic, Türkiye’s former ambassador to Washington, was appointed particular consultant. Ruben Rubinyan, deputy speaker of the Armenian parliament, was appointed particular consultant of the Yerevan administration throughout the scope of the dialogue course of.
Kilic and Rubinyan held their first assembly in Moscow on Jan. 14, 2022, to debate normalization.
They agreed that negotiations aimed toward full normalization must be continued with out preconditions.
Direct flights began
As talks received underway, direct flights between Istanbul and Yerevan resumed Feb. 2.
Kilic and Rubinyan met Feb. 24 in Vienna for a second time the place Türkiye and Armenia reiterated their settlement to proceed negotiations with out preconditions.
1st overseas ministers degree assembly after 9 years
Another hopeful step got here in March
Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan attended the Antalya Diplomacy Forum. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu and Mirzoyan met March 12 for the primary time in a overseas ministers-level assembly by the 2 international locations in practically 9 years.
The third assembly of the particular representatives was May 3 in Vienna the place attainable steps for concrete progress have been mentioned.
The fourth assembly, the final between Kilic and Rubinyan, was held July 1 in Vienna. It was agreed that the land border between Türkiye and Armenia must be opened as quickly as attainable for third-country nationals visiting the 2 international locations. They additionally agreed that direct air cargo commerce must be began as quickly as attainable.
Meeting between Turkish president, Armenian premier
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan acquired Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan within the capital of the Czech Republic. Erdogan was in Prague to attend the European Political Community assembly on Oct. 6.
As a results of negotiations, it was introduced that limitations to direct air cargo transportation can be lifted Jan. 1.
Diplomatic sources evaluated for Anadolu the negotiations for normalization and the newest scenario within the course of.
2 separate conferences held on the degree of specialists
Diplomatic sources stated after the fourth assembly July 1, two separate conferences have been held on the degree of specialists with the participation of assorted establishments.
They famous technical research are ongoing to implement the choice to allow the transit of third-country nationals between Ankara and Yerevan.
They added that the core taking of the bridge on the Alican Border Gate was carried out by Turkish and Armenian authorities. The course of concerning the passage of third-country residents can be clarified relying on the standing of the bridge.
Some different matters, particularly the initiation of mutual commerce may very well be mentioned in upcoming talks.
In the fourth assembly, two concrete selections have been taken, and two separate conferences have been held at technical ranges. Sources stated though there was a slowdown in momentum in comparison with earlier months, the method didn’t cease and technical points are at present being mentioned.
Stressing that outdoors interventions within the area can hurt all processes, sources stated Ankara will proceed to make efforts not just for Armenia-Türkiye relations however for long-term peace and stability within the area.
“We will continue to do what we have done because we are trying to do this sincerely,” stated sources.
Referring to the potential for the resumption of commerce by land, they stated there was annual visitors of 160,000 tons of economic merchandise between the international locations in 1993. That may enhance exponentially if a railway between the 2 international locations is reopened.
Sources stated there isn’t a date for a fifth spherical of talks however mutual steps must be taken for it to be held and the following talks can be in Türkiye or Armenia.
Regarding direct flights, they stated reciprocal flights are going effectively.
“Human-to-human contact has started,” they stated. “A Turkish citizen was applying for a visa through Tbilisi because there was no transportation to Armenia … the internet in Armenia was closed to the whole of Türkiye in the past. Now it is open. Consular affairs are running extremely well. Some humanitarian steps are also being taken that are not visible.”
As a results of negotiations, eradicating obstacles to direct air cargo commerce will contribute considerably to financial relations between the 2 international locations, they stated.
*Writing by Gozde Bayar
Kaynak: AA_ING
