Story perspectives

Turkey, Armenia End Trade Ban, Push Normalization Amid Genocide Dispute

5/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

Turkey and Armenia lifted a long-standing trade-designation ban, a symbolic step toward closer economic ties.
Turkey removed the restriction barring shipments from listing Turkey or Armenia as the final destination or origin.
Turkish spokesman Oncu Keceli said border work continues while Armenian spokesperson Ani Badalyan called the move a step toward full normalization.
Turkey rejected calling the 1915 deaths genocide, saying the toll is inflated and resulted from civil unrest.

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Story summary

Turkey and Armenia lifted a long-standing trade-designation ban, a symbolic step toward closer economic ties.
Turkey removed the restriction barring shipments from listing Turkey or Armenia as the final destination or origin.
Turkish spokesman Oncu Keceli said border work continues while Armenian spokesperson Ani Badalyan called the move a step toward full normalization.
Turkey rejected calling the 1915 deaths genocide, saying the toll is inflated and resulted from civil unrest.