Armenian Foreign Ministry on Armenian-Turkish Relations and Upcoming Meeting

Armenia is ready to begin dialogue on Armenian-Turkish relations without preconditions and expects a similar approach from the Turkish side. This was stated by the Armenian Foreign Ministry in response to a written inquiry from "Paxinfo." The Ministry of Foreign Affairs added that this approach would allow for discussions on the reopening of the border, which has been unilaterally closed by Turkey, and the establishment of diplomatic relations.

However, the Foreign Ministry did not clarify whether the appointment of a Turkish envoy, who has been engaged in genocide denial propaganda, is acceptable for Armenia.

The Armenian public first learned from the Turkish side that positive signals were being sent from Armenia, then it became clear that both parties were appointing envoys to normalize relations. Subsequently, the meeting venue was also specified, with Turkey being the primary source of information, after which the Armenian Foreign Ministry acted as the confirming entity.

Turkey's envoy is former Ambassador to the USA, Serdar Kılıç. "Paxinfo" sent a written inquiry to the Foreign Ministry on December 17, asking for the official position of Yerevan regarding this appointment, considering the envoy's past work in denying the Armenian Genocide. The Foreign Ministry initially requested additional time for review, but 12 days later, the written response refrained from assessing the appointment of the Turkish figure known for his hatred towards Armenians. Moreover, they avoided directly answering the question of whether Armenia would fulfill Turkey's preconditions regarding the renunciation of the recognition and condemnation of the Genocide within the context of normalizing relations.

"The Republic of Armenia has repeatedly stated that it is ready to begin dialogue on Armenian-Turkish relations without preconditions and expects a similar approach from the Turkish side, which will allow for discussions on the reopening of the unilaterally closed border and the establishment of diplomatic relations," the Armenian Foreign Ministry's response stated, without any mention of the Turkish envoy.

"Paxinfo" inquired about when, where, and in what format the meeting of the envoys is planned. The Foreign Ministry responded: "At this time, there is no agreement on the timing of the meeting between the special representatives of Armenia and Turkey. The possibility of holding the meeting in Moscow is being discussed."