Armenia-Turkey Checkpoint Opens for Humanitarian Aid to Syria
The Margara checkpoint will open from March 21 to 31 to allow humanitarian aid to Syria, following discussions between Armenia and Syria. This checkpoint had previously reopened in February 2023 after 30 years of closure. Improved Armenian-Turkish relations, including a notable interview by Pashinyan with Turkish journalists, suggest a shift toward potential diplomatic ties.
The Margara checkpoint between Armenia and Turkey will temporarily open from March 21 to 31 to facilitate the transport of humanitarian aid to Syria. This decision follows discussions between Armenian and Syrian officials aimed at addressing the needs arising from the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Syria.
Historically, prior to the outbreak of the Syrian Civil War in 2011, around 100,000 Armenians resided in Syria, with a significant population of 60,000 located in Aleppo. The political instability following President Bashar al-Assad’s downfall in December 2024, has raised concerns about the potential persecution of Syria’s ethnic minorities.
According to Armenpress, this reopening of the Margara checkpoint enables a prompt and economical delivery of humanitarian aid to Syria. The checkpoint had previously reopened in February 2023 for aid to Turkey after it suffered an earthquake, marking its first use after a 30-year closure.
Turkey had closed this border in 1993 due to an embargo aimed at compelling Armenia to withdraw from Azerbaijani regions during the First Nagorno-Karabakh War. However, recent months have shown an improvement in Armenia-Turkey relations. March saw an unprecedented interview between Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan and Turkish journalists in Armenia, highlighting this positive shift.
Pashinyan noted there is now a ‘very direct dialogue’ between the two nations, signaling a significant change in their relations. He expressed hopes for further developments, including the establishment of diplomatic ties, and the reopening of borders for rail and road transport, along with direct business links.
The temporary reopening of the Margara checkpoint represents a crucial step in facilitating humanitarian aid to Syria amidst ongoing regional tensions and concerns for ethnic minorities. This development, along with improving Armenia-Turkey relations, reflects a changing political landscape that may pave the way for enhanced dialogue and cooperation in the future.
Original Source: oc-media.org
