Armenian Official Attributes Border Closure to Azerbaijani Influence
Yerevan – Armenian Parliamentary Speaker Alen Simonyan has stated that Azerbaijan’s influence is preventing Turkey from normalizing relations with Armenia. Speaking in Istanbul during the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) meeting, Simonyan alleged that Azerbaijan is actively hindering negotiations between Turkey and Armenia. Simonyan explained that Azerbaijan is simultaneously pursuing negotiations with Armenia while simultaneously preventing Turkey from engaging in dialogue.
He described the situation as “strange” and suggested Turkey is constrained by its relationship with Azerbaijan. Simonyan referenced the 17-point peace agreement signed between Armenia and Azerbaijan in August 2025, noting that despite initial steps and agreements, the document remains unsigned due to Azerbaijan’s demands for constitutional amendments. Armenia intends to hold a referendum on a new constitution following the upcoming parliamentary elections.
The speaker also emphasized the importance of uncovering information regarding missing individuals from the decades-long conflict as a key element in achieving “genuine reconciliation” with Baku. He stated that discussions with Turkish colleagues have yielded limited results. Simonyan expressed optimism about the potential opening of the Armenia-Turkey border and the establishment of diplomatic relations, asserting that “everything has been done on both sides.” However, the border remains closed, a situation that dates back to 1993.
Recent developments include a shift in Armenia’s diplomatic representation at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, with Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and Special Envoy Ruben Rubinyan opting to sit out the event. Simonyan reiterated that “the ball is in the court of Turkey” and expects “clear steps” from the country. He previously highlighted a “truly monumental achievement” in regional peace.
Armenia and Turkey have been engaged in a normalization process since 2022, including meetings of special envoys, but progress has been stalled. The latest agreement, announced in December 2025, allows third-country nationals and diplomats to cross the border, contingent on progress in the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process.
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