On June 21, 2024, Armenia’s decision to recognize the State of Palestine has elicited a range of reactions: Turkey and Palestine warmly welcomed the move, praising it as a step towards justice and peace, while Israel responded with a “harsh reprimand,” summoning Armenia’s Ambassador to express its deep disapproval, reports Zartonk Media.
This comes just three days after a rare telephone conversation between Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Turkey Welcomes Armenia’s Decision
Turkey’s Foreign Ministry has warmly welcomed Armenia’s recognition of the State of Palestine, joining other nations such as Spain, Ireland, Norway, and Slovenia. In a statement, Turkey’s MFA expressed support, noting, “We welcome Armenia’s decision to recognize the State of Palestine. The recognition of Palestine is a requirement of international law, justice, and conscience.” Turkey reiterated its commitment to advocating for broader international recognition of Palestine.
This prompt response from Turkey comes just three days after a rare telephone call between Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on June 18, 2024. The two leaders reiterated their political will to fully normalize relations between Armenia and Turkey “without any preconditions.” This call, which included mutual congratulations on religious holidays and discussions on recent floods in Armenia, emphasized the importance of ongoing dialogue and agreements between their countries.
Palestine Commends Armenia’s Recognition
The President of the State of Palestine and the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) expressed deep appreciation for Armenia’s decision. The Palestinian Presidency commended the move, describing it as a “courageous and significant decision” and a “pivotal step towards enhancing bilateral relations and fostering peace and stability in the region.” The recognition aligns with the two-state solution, a principle supported by international will and legitimacy, contributing positively to the ongoing efforts for peace and stability in the Middle East.
Hussein Al-Sheikh, secretary of the PLO Executive Committee, also praised Armenia’s recognition, stating, “We welcome the friendly state of Armenia’s recognition of the State of Palestine in accordance with international law and international legitimacy. This is a victory for truth, justice, legitimacy, and the struggle of our Palestinian people for liberation and independence. Thank you, friendly Armenia.”
Israel’s Response: Summons Armenia’s Ambassador For “Harsh Reprimand”
Contrasting the positive responses from Turkey and Palestine, Israel reacted strongly to Armenia’s decision. Israel’s Foreign Ministry summoned Armenia’s Ambassador to Israel, Arman Hakobyan, for a “harsh reprimand” over the recognition of Palestine.
However, shortly after Israel’s announcement, Armenia’s Foreign Ministry announced that no meeting had taken place with the Armenian Ambassador at the Israeli Foreign Ministry. “Concerning the recognition of the State of Palestine, the Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs published a statement presenting the approaches of Armenia, including the recognition of the ‘two-state’ principle. We have no additional public comment. At the moment, no meeting has taken place with the Armenian Ambassador at the Israeli Foreign Ministry,” said Badalyan.
