Armenia to Temporarily Open Border Checkpoint for Humanitarian Aid to Syria
The Armenian government will open the Margara checkpoint from March 21-31 to transport humanitarian aid to Syria. This decision follows discussions between Armenian and Syrian officials and aims to expedite aid delivery. The reopening reflects improving Armenia-Turkey relations, as highlighted by Prime Minister Pashinyan’s recent engagement with Turkish media.
The Armenian government has announced that the Margara checkpoint between Armenia and Turkey will temporarily open from March 21 to March 31 to facilitate the transport of humanitarian aid to Syria. This decision stemmed from a series of consultations between Armenian and Syrian officials.
Prior to the Syrian Civil War in 2011, there were approximately 100,000 Armenians residing in Syria, with a significant concentration of 60,000 in Aleppo. Following the decline of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December 2024, concerns have arisen regarding the safety of Syria’s ethnic minorities, who fear potential persecution.
Armenpress noted that reopening the checkpoint allows for expedited and cost-effective delivery of humanitarian aid to Syria. Notably, the Margara checkpoint had reopened briefly in February 2023 after a 30-year closure, permitting aid to enter Turkey’s earthquake-affected regions.
The border had been unilaterally closed by Turkey in 1993 as part of an embargo to pressure Armenia amid the First Nagorno-Karabakh War. Recently, however, the dynamics of Armenia–Turkey relations appear to be improving.
In March, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan granted an unprecedented interview to Turkish journalists, emphasizing the establishment of direct dialogue between the two nations. Pashinyan expressed optimism regarding further advancements, including the prospects of formal diplomatic relations, reopening borders for rail and road transport, and fostering direct business connections.
In summary, the Margara checkpoint’s imminent opening marks a significant step in facilitating humanitarian assistance to Syria, reflecting a potential thaw in Armenia-Turkey relations. Prime Minister Pashinyan’s remarks indicate a desire for continued dialogue and collaboration between Armenia and Turkey, which could lead to improved diplomatic ties and economic cooperation in the future.
Original Source: oc-media.org
