The process of normalization of relations between Armenia, Azerbaijan and Turkey and the possible opening of borders directly depend on the signing of the peace treaty and the constitutional changes in Yerevan. This was stated by the Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Turkey, Rashad Mammadov, emphasizing the close coordination of the actions of Baku and Ankara.

In an interview given to the Turkish Cumhuriyet newspaper on May 18, the diplomat, answering the question about Baku’s obstructing role in the opening of the Armenian-Turkish border, noted that the processes of regional regulation are proceeding in parallel. According to him, Azerbaijan and Turkey coordinate every diplomatic step and move forward exclusively together.

Mammadov claims that the main obstacle to peace remains the Constitution of Armenia, in which Baku sees territorial claims. The ambassador expressed his belief that after the parliamentary elections to be held on June 7, a constitutional referendum will be held in Armenia, which will allow the parties to finally sign the already initialed peace agreement.

Such rhetoric has become traditional for the Azerbaijani political leadership. On international platforms, official Baku regularly and purposefully connects the establishment of peace with the amendment of the Mother Law of the neighboring republic.

This position is fully shared by the Turkish side, synchronizing its foreign policy messages with Azerbaijan. Official Ankara openly declares that establishment of diplomatic relations with Yerevan will become possible only in the context of Armenian-Azerbaijani reconciliation. The latest statement of Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is cited as confirmation of this direction, where he publicly assured that the Armenian-Turkish border will be opened immediately after the signing of the peace treaty between Baku and Yerevan.

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