Former Turkish MP Garo Paylan: Erdogan Delays Opening Armenia-Turkey Border to Avoid Displeasing Putin and Aliyev

In a candid interview at the Yerevan Dialogue 2024 forum, Garo Paylan, a former member of the Turkish Parliament, expressed regret over Turkey's reluctance to open its border with Armenia. Speaking to reporters, Paylan spoke about the complexities surrounding this issue, noting that political alliances and regional dynamics play a significant role in the decision-making process of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

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Paylan, who recently relocated to the United States, pointed out that Erdogan’s close relationships with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev have complicated the situation. According to Paylan, Erdogan’s alignment with these leaders has led him to delay opening the border, fearing negative repercussions from these alliances.

"Erdogan is considering his ties with Putin and Aliyev. If he were to open the border, it might displease them, and he might not gain any favorable response from Western countries. That’s why Erdogan is holding back," Paylan said.

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Despite the presence of some supporters within Turkey who advocate for reopening the border, Paylan believes that internal support alone is insufficient. He called on Western nations, including the United States and the European Union, to exert pressure on Erdogan's administration. Paylan argued that improving relations between Turkey and Western countries could lead to greater demands for Turkey to engage in peace efforts, including the border opening with Armenia.

"Western countries should apply pressure on Turkey to open the border. The relations between the EU, America, and Erdogan are currently strained. If these relations improve, the West might push Turkey towards peace," he said.

Paylan also criticized Turkey's continued reliance on gas imports from Russia and Azerbaijan, suggesting that this dependence further hinders Turkey’s willingness to engage more constructively with its Western partners.

The Yerevan Dialogue 2024 forum had extended an invitation to Turkish officials to attend the event, but Paylan noted that no Turkish representatives were present at the discussions. This absence highlights the ongoing tension and complex diplomatic landscape surrounding Turkey’s foreign policy and its relationship with Armenia.