Pashinyan Discusses Armenia-Turkey Relations, EU Accession, and Armenian Genocide Recognition with Turkish Media Representatives

YEREVAN – A direct dialogue is currently underway between Armenia and Turkey, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated in an interview with Turkish media.

“If we consider the history of our relations, this marks a significant shift. In the past, we lacked the opportunity to mutually clarify our positions,” Pashinyan said.

He emphasized that Armenia-Turkey relations should include the opening of borders for rail and road transportation, as well as direct business interactions. “Currently, there is a substantial trade volume between Armenia and Turkey, and business connections exist, but they mostly operate indirectly,” he noted.

According to Pashinyan, the process of establishing relations is dynamic, and Armenia is making continuous efforts to advance it. “Much depends on the political will of both governments, which must be strengthened and developed on both sides,” the Armenian prime minister added.

He underscored that the issue is not whether Armenian-Turkish relations will be normalized but when it will happen.

“The question is one of timing. For various reasons, it might be delayed by three months, six months, or a year. However, in my view, it is inevitable, and we must patiently move forward, guided by the principle of ‘do no harm.’ If we do not deliberately hinder this process, normalizing Armenia-Turkey relations is simply a matter of time,” Pashinyan concluded.

Armenia’s EU Accession and Foreign Policy Approach

Pashinyan clarified that Armenia does not view its deepening relations with the European Union as conflicting with its ties to other partners.

“An interesting reality in our region is that two of our four neighbors are EU membership candidates. This process is not contradictory to our regionalization policy,” he said in the interview.

At the same time, the prime minister acknowledged that EU accession is a complex process and reiterated Armenia’s goal of diversifying its foreign policy.

“One of our most important objectives is to overcome the limitations of a foreign policy lacking alternatives. We must be able to assess our region, the world, and our opportunities with greater clarity, while also carefully analyzing threats and challenges,” he emphasized.

Armenian Genocide: An Indisputable Truth

Armenia’s official position is that international recognition of the Armenian Genocide is not currently a top priority of its foreign policy, Pashinyan stated.

“This is our official stance, but there are important clarifications to be made on this issue,” he said. “I frequently discuss these matters in Armenia and abroad, including with our compatriots, and I see this as an opportunity to address them publicly.”

Pashinyan firmly rejected any notion of denying or forgetting the Armenian Genocide:

“I want to be very clear—within Armenia and among Armenians, the Armenian Genocide is an indisputable truth. It is impossible to deny or disavow it in our reality, as it is undeniable to all of us. However, that is not what we are debating.”

He referenced a recent speech he gave to the Armenian community in Munich, explaining:

“When parliaments or governments of distant countries officially recognize the Armenian Genocide, we experience a moment of excitement. But once that initial joy fades, we must ask: What does this decision contribute to our relations with our immediate neighbors? How do tensions in our region impact stability, peace, and security in Armenia?”

Pashinyan implied that while recognition by foreign countries is meaningful, Armenia’s primary focus must remain on regional stability and practical diplomacy.

Armenian PM Rejects “Zangezur Corridor” Term, Emphasizes Regional Connectivity

“The expression ‘Zangezur Corridor’ is incomprehensible and unacceptable to us because, first of all, the Republic of Armenia has nothing to do with that expression. The fact that such a term is used is perceived in Armenia as a territorial claim against our sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated in an interview with Turkish mass media.

He continued: “I recently published an article on this topic, emphasizing that we support the opening of regional communications. In fact, we are the ones most affected by the blockade—no other country in the region faces such restrictions. Armenia has four borders, two of which are completely closed. This reality alone underscores how much we need and are interested in opening regional communications.”

Pashinyan pointed out that Paragraph 9 of the trilateral statement of November 9, 2020, is frequently cited, but he highlighted a crucial detail: “In that paragraph, the term ‘corridor’ does not appear at all. While I understand that the word ‘corridor’ is used differently in other regions and international discourse, within the context of the trilateral statement, it carries a specific connotation. The only mention of a ‘corridor’ in the document refers to the Lachin Corridor, which is explicitly written and signed. However, in Paragraph 9, there is no such reference to a ‘corridor’ whatsoever.”

He further dismissed claims regarding security provisions in the agreement, stating: “There is much discussion suggesting that the trilateral statement includes a provision requiring representatives or forces of third countries to ensure the security of transportation through Armenian territory. This is entirely false. The document clearly states that the Republic of Armenia guarantees the movement of goods, vehicles, and passengers. If Armenia itself is responsible for ensuring security, how could it be expected to relinquish that responsibility to a third party?”

Regarding connectivity, Pashinyan reaffirmed Armenia’s readiness to facilitate transportation between Azerbaijan’s western regions and the Autonomous Republic of Nakhchivan through Armenian territory. “Yes, of course, Armenia is prepared to provide this connection. We have made a concrete proposal to Azerbaijan on this matter, which we believe is not just a proposal but a viable solution for railway freight transportation. We are now awaiting Azerbaijan’s response,” he concluded.