We Support the Intention to Start Talks on Rail Unblock with Turkey: Statement

The Political Council of the Heritage Party has issued a statement saying: "The recent exchanges of signals between official Yerevan and Ankara have created an opportunity for the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey to find ways to communicate as they build their future bilateral relations and develop direct, unmediated dialogue on this matter.

The existing alignment of interests among the countries of the region should be seen as an open window, the use of which will significantly increase the potential of the Republic of Armenia as a subject of regional and international relations.

The interests of the sovereignty and security of the Republic of Armenia, as a responsible actor in the region, necessitate that official Yerevan forms a sovereign position in anticipation of any possible processes.

The Heritage Party supports the current government’s intention to start talks with Turkey regarding the unblocking of roads and railways, although viewing this issue in a deeper context: the ongoing dialogue between Armenia and Turkey, and future negotiations to establish relations, should be guided by a clear strategy and action plan that cannot be limited only to the public agenda.

Direct communication with Turkey, and the establishment of relations in the future, could radically alter the security environment in the region, inevitably reducing threats and challenges.

We consider it essential to emphasize that discussions with Turkey, and future negotiations, cannot come at the expense of our national interests, particularly concerning the Artsakh issue and the just demands of countless descendants of our compatriots who were forcibly displaced from their homeland and scattered around the world after the genocide.

Before starting conversations and dialogue with Ankara, it must be clearly stated that official Yerevan does not represent the diaspora, and therefore the Turkish authorities today, or in the future, must find avenues for direct dialogue with the diaspora segment of our people.

Alongside Moscow's previously positive response, we also value the attitudes of other power centers actively engaged in the region regarding the recent exchanges of messages between Yerevan and Ankara.

The ability to establish relations with Turkey will determine the quality of Armenia's statehood and the prospects for its sovereignty.

We are convinced that conversations with Turkey inherently arise from the national security interests of Armenia and will positively influence the establishment of peace, security, and stability in the region."