The Armenian government will temporarily open the Margara checkpoint for humanitarian aid to Syria from March 21 to March 31, following talks between Armenian and Syrian officials. This initiative aims to support the Syrian population, particularly ethnic minorities at risk, while reflecting an ongoing thaw in Armenia-Turkey relations.
The Armenian government has announced the Margara checkpoint between Armenia and Turkey will operate from March 21 to March 31 for humanitarian aid delivery to Syria. This decision follows productive discussions between Armenian and Syrian officials. Prior to the Syrian Civil War in 2011, approximately 100,000 Armenians resided in Syria, with about 60,000 in Aleppo, leading to concerns about their safety amid ongoing conflicts.
Armenpress reported that the reopening of the checkpoint would facilitate the swift and cost-effective delivery of humanitarian assistance to Syria. The Margara checkpoint last saw activity in February 2023 after a closure of 30 years, when it was utilized for aid directed towards Turkey’s earthquake-affected regions.
The Turkish border had been unilaterally closed in 1993 during an embargo intended to compel Armenia’s withdrawal from Azerbaijani territories during the First Nagorno-Karabakh War. However, recent months have shown an improvement in Armenia-Turkey relations, highlighted by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s unprecedented interview with Turkish journalists, wherein he emphasized the direct dialogue occurring between the two nations.
Pashinyan expressed optimism for continued advancement in bilateral relations, aspiring toward diplomatic ties, the reopening of rail and road transport borders, and fostering direct business connections.
The opening of the Margara checkpoint symbolizes a significant step toward improved humanitarian cooperation between Armenia and Turkey amid ongoing regional challenges. This initiative not only aids in delivering essential support to Syria but also marks a potential shift in diplomatic relations between the two nations, promising further progress in various sectors.
Original Source: oc-media.org
