Armenia has always expressed a desire to launch a process of normalizing relations with Turkey without any preconditions, but for quite a long time there has been no dialogue with Ankara, former Armenian Foreign Minister Ara Aivazian told reporters at the Yerevan State University on Tuesday.
His comments came after Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu announced that Turkey and Armenia will mutually appoint special envoys to discuss steps to normalize ties.
“We positively assess the statement of the Turkish FM regarding the appointment of a special representative as part of normalization of relations and confirm that the Armenian side will appoint its envoy for a dialogue,” Armenian Foreign Ministry spokesman Vahan Hunanyan said on Tuesday, responding to the statement.
Commenting on Yerevan's intention to appoint a special representative for talks with Turkey, Aivazian recalled the saying, "Keep your friends close and your enemies closer."
"Naturally, there is a need to distinguish between the normal conditions and the current situation, especially Turkey's direct involvement in last year’s war and the preconditions set forth by it,” the diplomat said.
Aivazian believes it is extremely important for the Armenian Foreign Ministry to have an understanding of how to conduct negotiations with Turkey. In this regard, he underlined that the true goals of Baku and Ankara are well known.
"The spokesperson of the Armenian Foreign Ministry stated today that the negotiations are without preconditions. But on the other hand we see the launch of "3+2" format. I hope our diplomats are well aware of all the threats and challenges that may emerge during the further work in this format," Aivazian said.
He undermined that the signals coming from Ankara are far from positive. “On the contrary, we see persistent demands rather than any steps inherent in good neighborly relations. Thus, I am somewhat confused and doubtful about the objectives of the “3+2” format," the former minister explained.
"I have concerns that the “3+2” format may be an attempt to neutralize and cast a shadow over the format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship," Aivazian said.