No Consultations or Negotiations Between Armenia and Turkey in Any Format, Says Foreign Minister

The official position of Armenia regarding foreign policy is voiced by the Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia. This was stated by Foreign Minister Ara Ayvazyan during an extraordinary meeting of the National Assembly's Standing Committee on Foreign Relations, in response to a question from the secretary of the NA Prosperous Armenia faction, Arman Abovyan, regarding various reports from officials and different sources about the potential normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations.

According to the minister, only the Armenian people, who survived the first genocide of the 20th century, can truly understand the price of peace. “We are not seeking enemies. Since Armenia's independence, we have made various initiatives to normalize relations with Turkey. The last process was the Zurich Protocol, which was rendered void by Turkey. In both inter-state and interpersonal relations, the principle of reciprocity is crucial. However, our initiative for an honest and unconditional resolution was not reciprocated by Ankara; moreover, the Armenian Genocide has not only not ceased but has also been exported to our region.

We realize the prospects peace and reconciliation can create, but these are not just words. For true peace to exist in our region, Turkey must reconsider its aggressive policy and cease hostile actions,” said the minister.

Ayvazyan noted that there have been many instances in history where countries have found the political will and formed friendly relations. He expressed hope that this understanding will come to Turkey one day.

In response to Abovyan's clarifying question about whether there are currently consultations or negotiations between Armenia and Turkey, Ayvazyan replied, “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is not aware of any format in which consultations or negotiations could take place with official Ankara.”