Paylan says he’s ready to assume responsibility for normalization in Armenian-Turkish relations

Karo Paylan, an Armenian MP elected from the pro-Kurdish People’s Democratic Party (HDP), spoke at a press conference in the Turkish parliament about the start of a new round of normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations, ermenihaber reported. He expressed the opinion that in case of political will and desire, the normalization of Turkey-Armenia relations can take place faster than expected. Paylan said that the politicians of Turkey, Armenia and Azerbaijan must take responsibility in that process.

He stressed that he, as a Turkish MP, is also ready to assume responsibility. He described as very historic the statements made by Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu and the Armenian Foreign Ministry on the normalization of relations between the two countries. He stressed the importance of working on a roadmap for the normalization of relations. Paylan noted that the existing prejudices between the two peoples “between the two states” can be easily eliminated, as the two peoples have lived together for hundreds of years. According to him, it is an important step that both the Armenian airline and the Turkish airlines will start direct flights.

“I think that the development of economic relations must definitely follow that. That is why it is necessary to open the border by all means,” Paylan said, adding that diplomatic relations between the two countries should be established, mutual embassies should be opened, and ambassadors should be appointed.