Why Is This Border Not Open? Pailan Addresses Erdogan from the Armenian-Turkish Border

“What is preventing this border from opening?” said Karo Pailan, the Armenian-born member of the Turkish Parliament, during a visit to the Armenian-Turkish border, addressing Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

“We are at the Turkey-Armenia border and, unfortunately, this border has been closed for 30 years. The Azerbaijanis, Armenians, Turks, and Kurds are the peoples of this region, but unfortunately, they were divided because of the traumas of the last century. Now is the time for Turks, Armenians, and Kurds to embrace each other. Two years ago, there was a war between Azerbaijan and Armenia. After the end of that war, the peace process began for both Turkey-Armenia and Azerbaijan-Armenia. Turkey and Armenia appointed special envoys and started negotiations,” said Pailan, recalling that a year ago President Erdogan said the border could be opened first for third countries and then for citizens of Turkey and Armenia.

“I ask President Erdogan why this border is not open. What is preventing you from opening this border? Both Armenia and the residents of the region are losing. Kars, Igdir, Ardahan, Aghrı, and Dogubayazit are losing. These territories and the people living there are losing,” Pailan stated.

According to Turkish media, the Armenian-born MP suggested naming the border gate after Hrant Dink.