Davutoglu Reiterates Preconditions for Opening Border

ANKARA, Turkey—The terms set forward for opening the Turkish-Armenian border remain unchanged, Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said in a speech to the Turkish parliament. The discussion occurred as Davutoglu briefed members of the parliament’s Foreign Affairs Commission on developments in Turkey’s foreign policy at a closed-door meeting.

“Armenia needs to withdraw from Karabakh first for the border to open,” the Foreign Minister said, according to Turkish media reports.

“If Armenia submits to our requirement to withdraw from Karabakh, both borders and railways will open and ties will expand. We want to do this together with Azerbaijan’s consent,” the Turkish Minister added.

Davutoglu made the statement in response to an inquiry by a Turkish member of parliament from the Ararat region.

Saying that there seems to be preparatory work being conducted in his region near the Turkey-Armenia border and along the railway there, the member of parliament asked the minister whether they indicate a possible opening of the border.

Davutoglu confirmed the preparations, noting that “We are making such efforts. We can make a surprise opening if we convince Azerbaijan.”