The unresolved nature of Armenian-Turkish relations and the last closed border in Europe continue to be one of the most perilous components of European security.
Armenia National Assembly Vice-Speaker Eduard Sharmazanov noted the abovementioned in his opening remarks at the 43rd Session of the Cultural, Educational and Social Affairs Committee of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation.
“It is a paradox, but a fact, that EU accession candidate Turkey has shut the border to the neighboring country [Armenia], when borders in the European Union have long become history, and freedom of movement, [has become] a fundamental principle,” Sharmazanov noted.
He added that Turkey, which aspires to join the European Union, continues to stall facing its own past, evade accountability, distort history with its policy of denial, and it even spares no effort to force denialism upon other countries.
“It is tragic that the actions aimed at the destruction of Armenian cultural heritage do not stop in Azerbaijan and in Turkey.
“The international community should strongly condemn such barbarous acts. They are aimed at the destruction of not solely Armenian, but all-Christian spiritual values,” the Armenian parliament deputy chair also stated.
