Based on Turkologist Karen Hovhannisyan, no matter how many statements are made by official Yerevan about peace or the resolution of the conflict, Turkey still does not perceive and accept it, although Azerbaijan also has declared that the Artsakh conflict has been resolved. “Turkey currently has three demands toward Armenia, which, according to Turkey, Armenia must fulfill. The first is to give up Artsakh altogether and not talk about its status anymore. Second, change the Republic of Armenia’s position on the Armenian Genocide and abandon the demand for the recognition of the Armenian Genocide. Third, the ratification of the notorious Treaty of Kars by the Republic of Armenia.
These are the main demands that must be fulfilled before the borders can open, and to have diplomatic relations altogether. Therefore, nothing has changed much in the region. The only thing that has changed is that Azerbaijan has occupied the Republic of Artsakh’s territories, and it committed several war crimes that have not received the appropriate evaluation from the international community yet.
I can confidently say that Turkish policies toward the Republic of Armenia have not changed. It is the same militaristic approach. Even more, it has accumulated a large number of troops along its eastern border, which forms Armenia’s western border. Overall, it seems that Turkey also feels some threat from Armenia. Actually, from Russia, because Russia’s military presence in Armenia increased after the war,” the expert said.
Ashot Hakobyan
