Professor of Turkey’s Kadir Has University Mitat Celikpala gave a speech during the question-and-answer session of the symposium “Why is the Armenian-Turkish Border Closed?” hosted by Kadir Has University. The Turkish professor viewed the Karabakh issue as the main hindrance to the opening of the border and also attached importance to the Armenian Diaspora factor.

Celikpala said the Armenian Diaspora views the opening of the border in the context of Turkey’s recognition of the Armenian Genocide and reparations, but the country is trying to set aside the two issues, according to the Turkish IHA News Agency, writes ermenihaber.am.

As for the current Armenian government’s position on the opening of the border, the Turkish professor said the following: “The Armenian government wants the opening of the border without taking any political action, meaning the opening of the border followed by political action. However, experience has shown that that is approach is not applicable for the time being. The Karabakh issue and all Turkish and Armenian issues need to be discussed. Karabakh is a precondition for the opening of the border. Armenia’s political action for the solution to the Karabakh issue will be the action that will make Turkey start implementing the Protocols.”

In closing, Celikpala stated that the opening of the borders would ensure peace in the region and the nations would start getting to know each other better and would be able to discuss the Armenian Genocide.