Ruben Rubinyan: We Are Waiting for the Agreement to Be Implemented — The Ball Is Not in Our Court

YEREVAN — “A number of steps have already been taken in the Armenia–Turkey normalization process,” said National Assembly Vice Speaker Ruben Rubinyan.

He recalled that direct flights between Yerevan and Istanbul, which had been suspended for several years, were resumed at the very beginning of the process.

An agreement has also been reached to enable direct air cargo transportation, as well as to restore the historic bridge of Ani. The latter is currently in the documentation phase.

“The biggest agreement is the opening of the border for third-country nationals and holders of diplomatic passports. On our side, we have already done what was necessary, namely the restoration of the checkpoint. The good news is that the Turkish side finally began work this year on restoring its checkpoint as well, and we are now waiting for the implementation of the agreement. In this regard, the ball is not in our court,” Rubinyan said.

Asked why the process is still delayed if peace has already been established, Rubinyan replied:

“Peace has been established, but processes must move along their proper course. There is no issue on our side, nor are there any preconditions. The agreement exists and must now be implemented.”

When asked whether he would travel to Turkey to participate in the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Rubinyan said he would not attend personally, though the Armenian side would still be represented.