“Mr. Erdogan, Open the Turkey-Armenia Border Now,” Says Former Tukish MP Garo Paylan

Turkish-Armenian Garo Paylan, former lawmaker from Turkey’s Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP), has urged President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to support the recent ‘peace’ agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Paylan stressed that Turkey plays an important role in ensuring lasting peace in the region.

Paylan mentioned the importance of Turkey opening its border with Armenia, which has remained closed for many years. He addressed Erdogan directly, urging: “Mr. Erdoğan, open the Turkey-Armenia border immediately! Bring together the peoples of Armenia, Turkey, and Azerbaijan. Let us take this step without delay.” 

By opening the border, Paylan said, Turkey could help encourage better relations between the neighboring countries and support lasting peace in the region. He stressed that Turkey’s role is critical to making sure the peace agreement lasts. 

The border between Turkey and Armenia has remained closed for decades, largely because Turkey continues to deny committing the Armenian Genocide of 1915.

Reopening it could boost trade, travel, and cultural exchange, benefiting the region.

However, true progress is blocked not only by Turkey’s denial but also by Azerbaijan’s recent military offensives against Armenia, which continue to threaten peace and stability in the region. 

Paylan also mentioned the nature of the Armenia-Azerbaijan agreement. He described it as a “historic agreement that ends decades of enmity,” and called for urgent steps to build on this progress.

The so-called ‘peace’ agreement comes at a time when Azerbaijan has forced all Armenians from their ancestral land in Artsakh, while continuing to destroy cultural sites and holding Armenian prisoners of war in Baku, facing no consequences for these actions.

As the situation develops, many are watching closely to see how Turkey’s government will respond. However, real peace can only come when both parties acknowledge the crimes they have committed and take responsibility for their actions.

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