A New Beginning with Armenia: Turkish Newspaper's Commentary

The Turkish pro-government newspaper "Hürriyet" has provided an overview of the normalization process of Armenian-Turkish relations following a meeting of special representatives. According to Ermenihaber.am, in an article titled "A New Beginning with Armenia," it is noted that the first meeting of the special representatives will take place in Moscow today to initiate the process of normalizing relations.

"Hürriyet" highlights that prior to this meeting, Armenia lifted its ban on imports of Turkish goods, while Turkey granted flight clearance to the Armenian airline "Flyone Armenia." These actions indicate that the priority in the normalization process will be given to economic relations.

"The representatives will first present the positions of both countries today. It seems that if the picture is positive, the most important issues will be the reopening of the Gyumri-Kars railway and the Armenian-Turkish border. Experts suggest that in order not to disrupt the positive agenda, the Armenian side will refrain from bringing up the issue of the events of 1915," says the article.

As for the next steps, it is noted that subsequent negotiations will focus on establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries; however, Turkey has specific demands from Armenia at this level. Among these demands, the primary ones include an official statement from Armenia regarding non-territorial claims against Turkey, as well as not bringing the issue of the events of 1915 onto the agenda, transferring them instead to a commission.

The article compares the current process with that of 2009, stating that today’s meeting is more promising than the one 13 years ago, especially since the territories previously controlled by Armenia are now under Azerbaijan's control following the 44-day war, thus eliminating a significant obstacle.

The commentary also touches on the biographies of the special representatives, revealing that Turkey will be represented by experienced diplomat Sardar Kılıç, who has served as an ambassador in Lebanon, Japan, and the United States, while Armenia's representative is Ruben Rubinyan, who is only 32 years old and has held the position of Deputy Speaker of Parliament after 9 months as Deputy Foreign Minister. This latter circumstance has sparked criticism in Armenia; however, officials have stated that Rubinyan will follow Yerevan's directives and will have the approval of the Armenian government for any document signing.

Additionally, the article briefly discusses the developments in Armenia-Turkey relations since 1991, particularly Turkey's recognition of Armenia's independence, inviting Armenia as an observer to the CSTO, the protocols process, and the new "dialogue environment" created after the 44-day war.

In the event of successful negotiations, the article mentions that the reopening of the Akhalkalaki (referred to in Armenia as Akhurik) border crossing, closed since 1993, is vital for artisans and traders in Kars. The author quotes Yıldırım, head of the cooperative of artisans and traders in Akhalkalaki, stating in an AFP interview that the border with Armenia is their only window to the world.

Finally, the article addresses recent attacks by Azerbaijan on Armenian armed forces positions, described as provocations by the Armenian side. In this context, there are concerns that the negative developments on the ground could impact the positive progress made in diplomacy.