This is the Price Armenia Must Pay to Normalize Relations with Turkey, Says International Analyst

International analyst Suren Sargsyan writes:

“There is a lot of talk in the ruling elite about the necessity of normalizing relations with Turkey, and they are doing so with serious faces. I remind you that Turkey has drawn and does not retreat from the following preconditions since the 1990s:

1. Exclusion of the international recognition of the Armenian Genocide from the external political agenda of Armenia—meaning a refusal to acknowledge it.
2. Recognition by Armenia of the territory of Turkey (territorial integrity).
3. A clear statement from Armenia regarding the absence of territorial claims towards Turkey.
4. Revisions to the Declaration of Independence of Armenia.
5. Removal of the image of Mount Ararat from the coat of arms.
6. Complete return of Artsakh to Azerbaijan.

This is the price Armenia must pay if it wants to normalize relations with Turkey. It is also a fact that the authorities lack the negotiation skills, moral right, and face to do so. Therefore, it is better for them not to start. However, if they have completed the sixth point, they will likely accomplish the rest as well…”