Armenia and Turkey: Margara Checkpoint Opens for Humanitarian Aid to Syria
The Margara checkpoint between Armenia and Turkey will be temporarily opened from March 21-31 for humanitarian aid to Syria, following discussions between Armenian and Syrian officials. This decision reflects improved relations between Armenia and Turkey, where hopes for future diplomatic ties and transportation restoration have been expressed by Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan.
The Armenian government has announced the temporary opening of the Margara checkpoint between Armenia and Turkey from March 21 to March 31. This initiative aims to facilitate the transport of humanitarian aid to Syria, following discussions between Armenian and Syrian officials. Prior to the Syrian Civil War in 2011, approximately 100,000 Armenians resided in Syria, primarily in Aleppo, raising concerns about potential persecution of ethnic minorities after the recent political developments in Syria.
Armenpress reported that this decision is expected to expedite the delivery of humanitarian aid to Syria at reduced costs. The Margara checkpoint was previously reopened in February 2023, marking a significant event after its 30-year closure due to Turkey’s border embargo against Armenia, which began in 1993 amid the First Nagorno-Karabakh War.
Recent months have indicated a thaw in Armenia-Turkey relations. During March, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan engaged in an unprecedented interview with Turkish journalists, expressing optimism about the dialogue between the two nations. He highlighted this shift as a substantial improvement and expressed hopes for establishing diplomatic relations, reopening borders for transportation, and fostering direct business connections.
In summary, the Margara checkpoint will temporarily open for humanitarian aid shipments to Syria, reflecting improved Armenia-Turkey relations. This decision follows prior discussions among officials and aims to support Syria’s ethnic minorities amid ongoing concerns about their safety. The historical context of the checkpoint’s closure further underscores the significance of this announcement.
Original Source: oc-media.org
