Armenian expert in Turkic studies, Varuzhan Geghamyan, wrote on Facebook that following the upcoming meeting in Istanbul between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, “a joint statement may be issued containing new Turkish demands and Armenia’s de facto promises to fulfill them.”

According to Geghamyan, these demands are not new but rather a continuation of longstanding preconditions aimed at coercing Armenia into making concessions under the guise of “peace” and a “better future.” He claims such steps would fundamentally weaken Armenia’s defense and resistance capabilities, effectively placing the country in full dependence on Turkey.

“This is being done with the ultimate goal of occupying and eliminating the Armenian state altogether,” Geghamyan warned, noting that both Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Erdogan have alluded to this goal repeatedly.

He listed the following incomplete set of preconditions Turkey is expected to push:

• Recognition of the territorial integrity of Turkey and Azerbaijan, including the 1921 Treaty of Kars
• Transfer of territories from Armenia’s Tavush, Ararat, and Vayots Dzor provinces to Azerbaijan under the label of “enclaves”
• Provision of a special status corridor through Syunik and Vayots Dzor for Azerbaijan (“Zangezur corridor”)
• Reduction of Armenia’s armed forces to minimal levels in both personnel and equipment under the guise of a “professional army”
• Closure of the Metsamor nuclear power plant
• Demarcation and delimitation of the Armenian-Turkish border, from Shirak to Armavir and Ararat provinces
• Restructuring of Armenia’s education system, national symbols, and calendar
• Creation of compact Turkish and Azerbaijani settlements in Armenia, with cultural autonomy and guaranteed rights
• Removal of Russian border guards and military bases from the Armenian-Turkish border
• Permanent cessation of international efforts to recognize the Armenian Genocide
• Ban or restriction on organizations opposing Turkey operating in Armenia (e.g., the Armenian Church or certain political parties considered “revanchist” by Turkey)

Geghamyan emphasized that this list will continue to grow as Armenia makes further concessions. He warned that Turkey will initially present these demands in a vague and confusing manner to prevent public resistance.

“Remember this list. Share it. Resist,” he urged.

Pashinyan is in Turkey with a large delegation. His meeting with Erdogan is scheduled for the evening.