If There Is Political Will from Turkey, We Can Have Regulated Relations Starting Tomorrow: Ruben Rubinyan

The history has never been a part of the strategy for normalizing relations with Turkey for the governments of Armenia. This was stated today by Ruben Rubinyan, Deputy Speaker of the Armenian National Assembly and special representative for the process of normalizing relations between Armenia and Turkey, during the international conference "Yerevan Dialogue."

He added, "We have a history and we remember our history; we will always remember it. There is an opinion in the world that this history is the reason Armenia and Turkey do not have diplomatic relations or open borders."

“In fact, for the current Armenian government and all governments since 1991, history has never been part of the strategy for normalizing relations with Turkey. We have always been ready, and we are still ready to have normal relations, diplomatic ties, and open borders with Turkey. If there is political will on the Turkish side as well, we can have fully regulated relations as early as tomorrow,” he stated.

According to Rubinyan, it is no secret that the issue of communications is quite complex for our region, and this applies not only to Armenia but also to other countries in the region.

“Today we have a historic opportunity to transform the South Caucasus from a geopolitical deadlock into a crossroads of peace. Our position is that communications should not become a hostage to geopolitical competition,” declared Rubinyan.

He emphasized the need to change the negative dynamics and build peace and partnership.