‘We Want the Border to be Open’ - Rubinyan

The special representatives for the Armenia-Turkey normalization process exchanged views during their first meeting on how they see the process both technically and somewhat substantively. This was stated by Ruben Rubinyan, the special representative for the normalization of Armenia-Turkey relations and Vice Speaker of the National Assembly, during a conversation with journalists.

Rubinyan recalled that following the representatives' meeting, the foreign ministries of both sides issued press releases. “The statement from the Turkish Foreign Ministry confirms that the parties have agreed to continue negotiations without preconditions. Overall, the first meeting was held in a constructive atmosphere, but how the process will unfold generally depends on the willingness and continuity of constructiveness from both sides. Armenia has consistently stated that it is ready to normalize relations with Turkey without preconditions, reach a reopening of the border, and establish diplomatic relations,” he noted.

Thus, the parties have agreed to conduct and continue negotiations without preconditions. Regarding how the process will progress, Rubinyan once again emphasized that it depends on Turkey's level of constructiveness, sincerity, and willingness.

“From the Armenian side, there is a desire to engage as quickly as possible in substantive negotiations, because we are interested in solving real issues. And primarily, that is the reopening of the border. We have said and continue to say that Armenia is ready to reach normalization of relations without preconditions,” Rubinyan stated.

At the same time, he reminded that the recognition of the Armenian Genocide has never been a precondition proposed by Armenia for the normalization of relations under any government. When asked whether the acknowledgment of Azerbaijan's territorial integrity should also not be a precondition, Rubinyan replied, “When we say that Armenia is ready to normalize relations without preconditions, it means that the same is expected from the other side. The entire point of the negotiations is this: there is a situation that is unfavorable to us. I believe it is also unfavorable for Turkey. We want the border to be open. And we are ready to negotiate around that; the essence of the negotiation is that there is a problem between the two countries, and it needs to be solved,” he added.

Regarding the first meeting of the special representatives, Rubinyan said, “The first meeting, as is evident from the press releases, was mostly introductory in nature, and we primarily exchanged thoughts on how we see the process both technically and a bit substantively. An attempt was made to discuss issues that do not create sharp points but rather positive ones. What will happen next depends on Turkey's level of constructiveness and its willingness to engage in substantive negotiations. I can say that at this moment, what has happened is evaluated as normal; I assess the first meeting as constructive. How the process will proceed also depends on Turkey's willingness, sincerity, and constructiveness,” Rubinyan emphasized.

No agreement has been reached regarding the date and venue of the second meeting. “But of course, one day an agreement will be reached, and I will inform you,” he said. It is noteworthy that on January 14, a meeting took place in Moscow between the special representatives for the Armenia-Turkey normalization process, Ruben Rubinyan, Vice Speaker of the National Assembly, and Ambassador Serdar Kilic.