PanARMENIAN.Net - The fact-checking platform fip.am has addressed the controversy surrounding recent comments by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, stating that his remarks have been distorted by some media outlets and political circles in Armenia.
According to FIP, Fidan's comments were made during a January 15 press briefing, where he discussed regional issues, Armenia-Azerbaijan and Armenia-Turkey relations, and the TRIPP initiative (Trump Route to International Peace and Prosperity), which was part of Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan's visit to Washington.
Fidan said: "We expect the preliminary agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia to be finalized and signed, and for Turkey-Armenia normalization to be implemented as soon as possible, so we can advance regional stability and prosperity. Currently, the political leaderships of Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Turkey all show willingness. There are just a few remaining steps for Armenia to take."
He also noted: "As you know, elections are expected in Armenia in June 2026 - this will be a key stage. We see that Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is currently leading in public opinion polls. We genuinely support his constructive role in this process. This approach and political will must continue."
FIP emphasizes that Fidan did not declare support for Pashinyan's candidacy or indicate interference in Armenia's elections. Rather, he acknowledged Pashinyan's current standing in polls and appreciated his regional diplomatic efforts, particularly in peace negotiations.
"In short, some Armenian outlets and political actors have attributed statements to Fidan that he never made, thus creating a false impression that Turkey is meddling in Armenia's domestic politics," FIP concluded.
Deputy Speaker of Parliament Ruben Rubinyan also rejected the false claims, calling the reports a lie and clarifying that the Turkish foreign minister made no such election-related endorsement. His statement responded to a post by Mer Dzevov (Our Way) movement coordinator Narek Karapetyan, who had implied long-term Turkish support for Pashinyan.
Source: PanArmenian.Net
