Turkish Diplomatic Sources Provide Clarifications on Armenia-Turkey Process

Turkish diplomatic sources from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have provided evaluations to the state news agency "Anadolu" regarding the recent state of meetings and processes aimed at normalizing relations between Turkey and Armenia. According to Ermenihaber, following the fourth meeting of special representatives held on July 1, meetings at the level of experts involving various structures from Turkey and Armenia at the border have taken place in a sincere atmosphere.

It has been reported that technical work continues to implement a decision that would allow the movement of citizens of third countries between Turkey and Armenia. As part of these works, Turkish and Armenian officials jointly took samples using a drilling method from the bridge at the Alijani/Margara border crossing, noting that the process of movement for citizens of third countries will gain clarity depending on the state of the bridge.

It has been reported that during subsequent meetings of the ongoing process, other topics could also be discussed, including the issue of starting mutual trade between the two countries. Referring to the specific decisions made during the fourth meeting held in Vienna on July 1, it was mentioned that two separate meetings had taken place at a technical level. Sources reported that although the pace has slowed compared to previous months, the process between the two countries has not come to a halt, and technical issues are currently being discussed between Ankara and Yerevan.

Turkish diplomatic sources have asserted that external interventions in the region could negatively impact all ongoing processes in the area. Regarding the possibility of resuming trade between Turkey and Armenia via land routes, sources indicated that in 1993, 160,000 tons of commercial products circulated annually between Armenia and Turkey, and if the railway route between the two countries is reopened, this could potentially double.

Sources also mentioned that there is no date yet set for the fifth round of normalization meetings, noting that reciprocal steps need to be takenfor it to happen, and that forthcoming meetings will take place either in Turkey or Armenia.

Commenting on the direct flights that began on February 2 between Turkey and Armenia, diplomatic sources stated: "Mutual flights are progressing quite well. Communication among people has begun, and people can now travel freely. There have been aspects of the process that are not visibly apparent. Turkish citizens used to apply for visas via Tbilisi due to a lack of access to Armenia. Now, internet connectivity has been established, which previously was not possible. Armenia's internet had been closed off to all of Turkey, but it has now been opened. Consular affairs are functioning extremely well, and some humanitarian steps that are not easily seen are also being taken."

Sources also indicated that the elimination of obstacles to direct air cargo transport resulting from the meetings between Turkey and Armenia will also make a significant contribution to economic relations between the two countries.