Armenia:Turkey Protocols - International Reactions
Institute for War and Peace Reporting IWPR, UK
Sept 3 2009
INCHING FORWARD IN ARMENIAN-TURKISH TIES
Football diplomacy: where are we now?
By Tevan Poghosyan
On June 2008, Armenian President Serzh Sarkisian invited Turkish
counterpart Abdullah Gul to watch a match in Yerevan between the
Armenian and Turkish football teams. This triggered heated discussion
in both countries about what really lay behind the invitation.
The pressure to normalise relations increased after the war in Georgia
in August 2008, which demonstrated the vulnerability of all the
countries in the region to a repeat shock. Commentators in both
countries said the peace process would heighten stability in the south
Caucasus.
Turkey failed to maintain momentum, which initially seemed to have
harmed the opportunity for a resolution to the conflict in the south
Caucasus. What was seen in Yerevan as an anti-Armenian policy followed
by Ankara for the last 15 years appears to have cast a shadow over
moves towards peace. Doves argued, however, that the opening of the
border with Armenia and the establishment of diplomatic relations
would, in fact, open the way to addressing every dimension of the
conflict between Armenia and Turkey.
Hopes built again after April 22, 2009, when the two sides signed a
`road map' detailing measures to open the border, establish diplomatic
relations and set up a forum for considering current disputes.
Finally on August 31, Turkey and Armenia took a new step, and agreed
to start internal political consultations on two protocols ` the
`Protocol on the establishment of diplomatic relations' and the
`Protocol on the development of bilateral relations'.
The Caucasus Stability and Cooperation Platform
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced his initiative
for a `Caucasus Stability and Cooperation Platform', CSCP, on August
13, 2008 in Moscow. The CSCP cannot come into effect if Turkey has not
established sound relations with all countries in the region. Without
a normalisation of Turkish-Armenian relations, it will be a dead
letter, and this has made Turkey keener to resolve outstanding
disputes.
The Reaction from Azerbaijan
The prospect of an open Turkish-Armenian frontier triggered panic in
Azerbaijan, both in government and at large. Many people felt that
Turkey would be abandoning its ally by opening the border with Armenia
before Armenia had pulled troops out of western Azerbaijan and the
breakaway republic of Nagorny-Karabakh.
Turkey and Azerbaijan have been close since the early 1990s, so
Turkey's talks with Armenia shocked Baku. Azerbaijan has, however,
also engaged in talks with Russia, which has traditionally been an
Armenian ally, and even used the Turkish-Armenian rapprochement as an
excuse.
The Nagorny-Karabakh issue
A decision to open the border with Armenia would mean that Turkey had
largely abandoned its symbolic support for Azerbaijan over
Nagorny-Karabakh. However, commentators in Turkey have long questioned
the efficacy of the closed border as a means to force Armenia to
negotiate over Karabakh, since it has failed to work for the last 15
years.
The settlement of the Nagorny-Karabakh conflict and the normalisation
of Turkish-Armenian relations should be seen as distinct processes.
Turkish-Armenian affairs
The Turkish-Armenian talks were kept low profile. Many meetings were
held in a very short time, but no substantial statements were made.
In the run-up to April 24, 2009, Armenian Genocide Memorial Day, the
media covered the process closely and the road map, published on April
23, massively raised expectations. However, the disappointment was
widespread after the talks failed to progress rapidly. In Armenia,
there was a general perception that Turkey had not been negotiating in
good faith.
The Turkish prime minister's visit to Baku in May 2009 led to
substantial discomfort in Armenia. Erdogan spoke emotionally of his
support of Azerbaijan, which harmed the Armenian perception of
progress made. An enlarged role for Turkey in the south Caucasus
became less welcome and the expression "Turks never change" was
frequently heard in Yerevan.
Turkey's hesitation left Armenians thinking that its foreign policy in
the south Caucasus was entirely hostage to Azerbaijan.
The Protocols
On August 31, 2009 the foreign ministries of Armenia, Turkey and
mediator Switzerland announced that Yerevan and Ankara had agreed to
start internal political consultations on establishing relations
between them. The two protocols provide a framework for normalising
their bilateral relations within a reasonable timeframe. The political
consultations will be completed within six weeks, following which the
two protocols will be signed and submitted to the respective
parliaments for ratification by each side.
The protocols make clear that the process of Armenian-Turkish
rapprochement is not dependent on any preconditions related to
Nagorny-Karabakh or the recognition of the genocide.
`For the first time in the history of independent Armenia, the signing
of a most important international document will follow public
discussions. They will allow the hearing of all opinions and
approaches,' Armenian President Serzh Sarkisian said.
What Next?
Whether Turkey and Armenia can overcome their internal issues and
proceed to normalise the bilateral relationship will become clear
during the next two months.
Tevan Poghosyan is executive director of the International Centre for
Human Development, ICHD, in Yerevan.
Sept 3 2009
INCHING FORWARD IN ARMENIAN-TURKISH TIES
Football diplomacy: where are we now?
By Tevan Poghosyan
On June 2008, Armenian President Serzh Sarkisian invited Turkish
counterpart Abdullah Gul to watch a match in Yerevan between the
Armenian and Turkish football teams. This triggered heated discussion
in both countries about what really lay behind the invitation.
The pressure to normalise relations increased after the war in Georgia
in August 2008, which demonstrated the vulnerability of all the
countries in the region to a repeat shock. Commentators in both
countries said the peace process would heighten stability in the south
Caucasus.
Turkey failed to maintain momentum, which initially seemed to have
harmed the opportunity for a resolution to the conflict in the south
Caucasus. What was seen in Yerevan as an anti-Armenian policy followed
by Ankara for the last 15 years appears to have cast a shadow over
moves towards peace. Doves argued, however, that the opening of the
border with Armenia and the establishment of diplomatic relations
would, in fact, open the way to addressing every dimension of the
conflict between Armenia and Turkey.
Hopes built again after April 22, 2009, when the two sides signed a
`road map' detailing measures to open the border, establish diplomatic
relations and set up a forum for considering current disputes.
Finally on August 31, Turkey and Armenia took a new step, and agreed
to start internal political consultations on two protocols ` the
`Protocol on the establishment of diplomatic relations' and the
`Protocol on the development of bilateral relations'.
The Caucasus Stability and Cooperation Platform
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced his initiative
for a `Caucasus Stability and Cooperation Platform', CSCP, on August
13, 2008 in Moscow. The CSCP cannot come into effect if Turkey has not
established sound relations with all countries in the region. Without
a normalisation of Turkish-Armenian relations, it will be a dead
letter, and this has made Turkey keener to resolve outstanding
disputes.
The Reaction from Azerbaijan
The prospect of an open Turkish-Armenian frontier triggered panic in
Azerbaijan, both in government and at large. Many people felt that
Turkey would be abandoning its ally by opening the border with Armenia
before Armenia had pulled troops out of western Azerbaijan and the
breakaway republic of Nagorny-Karabakh.
Turkey and Azerbaijan have been close since the early 1990s, so
Turkey's talks with Armenia shocked Baku. Azerbaijan has, however,
also engaged in talks with Russia, which has traditionally been an
Armenian ally, and even used the Turkish-Armenian rapprochement as an
excuse.
The Nagorny-Karabakh issue
A decision to open the border with Armenia would mean that Turkey had
largely abandoned its symbolic support for Azerbaijan over
Nagorny-Karabakh. However, commentators in Turkey have long questioned
the efficacy of the closed border as a means to force Armenia to
negotiate over Karabakh, since it has failed to work for the last 15
years.
The settlement of the Nagorny-Karabakh conflict and the normalisation
of Turkish-Armenian relations should be seen as distinct processes.
Turkish-Armenian affairs
The Turkish-Armenian talks were kept low profile. Many meetings were
held in a very short time, but no substantial statements were made.
In the run-up to April 24, 2009, Armenian Genocide Memorial Day, the
media covered the process closely and the road map, published on April
23, massively raised expectations. However, the disappointment was
widespread after the talks failed to progress rapidly. In Armenia,
there was a general perception that Turkey had not been negotiating in
good faith.
The Turkish prime minister's visit to Baku in May 2009 led to
substantial discomfort in Armenia. Erdogan spoke emotionally of his
support of Azerbaijan, which harmed the Armenian perception of
progress made. An enlarged role for Turkey in the south Caucasus
became less welcome and the expression "Turks never change" was
frequently heard in Yerevan.
Turkey's hesitation left Armenians thinking that its foreign policy in
the south Caucasus was entirely hostage to Azerbaijan.
The Protocols
On August 31, 2009 the foreign ministries of Armenia, Turkey and
mediator Switzerland announced that Yerevan and Ankara had agreed to
start internal political consultations on establishing relations
between them. The two protocols provide a framework for normalising
their bilateral relations within a reasonable timeframe. The political
consultations will be completed within six weeks, following which the
two protocols will be signed and submitted to the respective
parliaments for ratification by each side.
The protocols make clear that the process of Armenian-Turkish
rapprochement is not dependent on any preconditions related to
Nagorny-Karabakh or the recognition of the genocide.
`For the first time in the history of independent Armenia, the signing
of a most important international document will follow public
discussions. They will allow the hearing of all opinions and
approaches,' Armenian President Serzh Sarkisian said.
What Next?
Whether Turkey and Armenia can overcome their internal issues and
proceed to normalise the bilateral relationship will become clear
during the next two months.
Tevan Poghosyan is executive director of the International Centre for
Human Development, ICHD, in Yerevan.
ARMENIA AND TURKEY: RECONCILIATION: RUSSIA DOES NOT OBJECT
by Kirill Zubkov
What the Papers Say
September 2, 2009 Wednesday
Russia
ARMENIA AND TURKEY ARE A STEP CLOSER TO NORMALIZATION
by Kirill Zubkov
What the Papers Say
September 2, 2009 Wednesday
Russia
ARMENIA AND TURKEY ARE A STEP CLOSER TO NORMALIZATION
AND ESTABLISHMENT
OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS; An update on the Armenian-Turkish
rapprochement.
Closed since 1993, the state border between Armenia and Turkey might
be finally deblocked come winter. Yerevan and Ankara are even prepared
to establish diplomatic relations. Fortunately, the Armenian-Turkish
rapprochement does not encroach on the interests of Russia in Armenia
or, broader, in the South Caucasus. Moscow, Yerevan, and Ankara want
peace and stability for the region.
The Turkish Foreign Ministry reported yesterday that Ankara and
Yerevan with Switzerland as the broker were working on the protocols
"On establishment of diplomatic relations" and "On development
of bilateral relations". "The consultation will take six weeks,
so that the Turkish-Armenian will hopefully be opened by 2010,"
Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said.
The state border was closed in 1993 in a show of Turkish solidarity
with Azerbaijan that lost Nagorno-Karabakh to the Armenians this
year. As for diplomatic relations, Turkey never even established them
with Armenia when the latter became a sovereign state in 1991. Yerevan
demanded from Turkey to recognize the genocide in the Ottoman Empire
in 1915-1917, something Ankara could not do, of course.
Mikhail Alexandrov, Chief of the Department of the Caucasus of
the Institute of CIS Countries, plainly told RBC Daily that "the
Armenian-Turkish reconciliation does not mean dismantlement of the
special relationship between Yerevan and Moscow." Sandwiched between
Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Georgia, Armenia found itself isolated on
all sides after the last year war in South Ossetia. The opening of
the border with Turkey will make life considerably easier for Armenia.
In the meantime, the reconciliation will also benefit Turkey which
aspires to the status of the regional leader. "Ankara is through
both with being exceptionally pro-Western and with its pan-Turkic
illusions," Alexandrov said. "The period when Ankara participated in
the blockade of Armenia in the name of solidarity with Azerbaijan is
finally over."
Maintenance of regional stability in accordance with the Security and
Development Platform plan is Ankara's number one priority. Bracing
for the forthcoming withdrawal of the US Army from Iraq, Turkey
prepares itself for the nearly inevitable deterioration of the Kurd
problem. Neither do Armenia and Russia want anything but stability
in the region.
OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS; An update on the Armenian-Turkish
rapprochement.
Closed since 1993, the state border between Armenia and Turkey might
be finally deblocked come winter. Yerevan and Ankara are even prepared
to establish diplomatic relations. Fortunately, the Armenian-Turkish
rapprochement does not encroach on the interests of Russia in Armenia
or, broader, in the South Caucasus. Moscow, Yerevan, and Ankara want
peace and stability for the region.
The Turkish Foreign Ministry reported yesterday that Ankara and
Yerevan with Switzerland as the broker were working on the protocols
"On establishment of diplomatic relations" and "On development
of bilateral relations". "The consultation will take six weeks,
so that the Turkish-Armenian will hopefully be opened by 2010,"
Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said.
The state border was closed in 1993 in a show of Turkish solidarity
with Azerbaijan that lost Nagorno-Karabakh to the Armenians this
year. As for diplomatic relations, Turkey never even established them
with Armenia when the latter became a sovereign state in 1991. Yerevan
demanded from Turkey to recognize the genocide in the Ottoman Empire
in 1915-1917, something Ankara could not do, of course.
Mikhail Alexandrov, Chief of the Department of the Caucasus of
the Institute of CIS Countries, plainly told RBC Daily that "the
Armenian-Turkish reconciliation does not mean dismantlement of the
special relationship between Yerevan and Moscow." Sandwiched between
Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Georgia, Armenia found itself isolated on
all sides after the last year war in South Ossetia. The opening of
the border with Turkey will make life considerably easier for Armenia.
In the meantime, the reconciliation will also benefit Turkey which
aspires to the status of the regional leader. "Ankara is through
both with being exceptionally pro-Western and with its pan-Turkic
illusions," Alexandrov said. "The period when Ankara participated in
the blockade of Armenia in the name of solidarity with Azerbaijan is
finally over."
Maintenance of regional stability in accordance with the Security and
Development Platform plan is Ankara's number one priority. Bracing
for the forthcoming withdrawal of the US Army from Iraq, Turkey
prepares itself for the nearly inevitable deterioration of the Kurd
problem. Neither do Armenia and Russia want anything but stability
in the region.
COUNCIL OF EUROPE HAILS TURKEY-ARMENIAN DEAL AS
"HISTORIC EVENT"
Qatar News Agency
September 2, 2009 Wednesday 8:51 PM EST
Strasbourg, September 02 (QNA) - Top European human rights watchdog,
the Council of Europe, welcomed an agreement between Turkey and Armenia
to start internal political consultations to establish diplomatic
relations and the development of bilateral relations.
"This important decision for a common better future deserves the
support of the international community," said Samuel Zbogar, Council
chairman Slovenia's foreign minister.
According to Turkish Anadolu Ajansi (A.A) Zbogar expressed hope
that this process would rapidly bring a successful result, "so that
Armenia and Turkey overcome the wounds of the past and establish normal
relations in their mutual interest, in the spirit of the Statute of
the Council of Europe."
Acting Secretary General of the Council of Europe Maud de
Boer-Buquicchio also hailed the Turkish-Armenian agreement as "a
historic event for both countries and the region."
"I strongly welcome the agreement to sign two protocols between Turkey
and Armenia on establishing of diplomatic relations between the two
countries. It will help to normalise the relations between two member
states of the Council of Europe and I would like to encourage the
two countries to continue on the path which will help to improve the
stability in this part of Europe," said De Boer-Buquicchio.
Turkey and Armenia agreed on Monday to establish diplomatic relations
and exchange diplomatic missions. (QNA)
Qatar News Agency
September 2, 2009 Wednesday 8:51 PM EST
Strasbourg, September 02 (QNA) - Top European human rights watchdog,
the Council of Europe, welcomed an agreement between Turkey and Armenia
to start internal political consultations to establish diplomatic
relations and the development of bilateral relations.
"This important decision for a common better future deserves the
support of the international community," said Samuel Zbogar, Council
chairman Slovenia's foreign minister.
According to Turkish Anadolu Ajansi (A.A) Zbogar expressed hope
that this process would rapidly bring a successful result, "so that
Armenia and Turkey overcome the wounds of the past and establish normal
relations in their mutual interest, in the spirit of the Statute of
the Council of Europe."
Acting Secretary General of the Council of Europe Maud de
Boer-Buquicchio also hailed the Turkish-Armenian agreement as "a
historic event for both countries and the region."
"I strongly welcome the agreement to sign two protocols between Turkey
and Armenia on establishing of diplomatic relations between the two
countries. It will help to normalise the relations between two member
states of the Council of Europe and I would like to encourage the
two countries to continue on the path which will help to improve the
stability in this part of Europe," said De Boer-Buquicchio.
Turkey and Armenia agreed on Monday to establish diplomatic relations
and exchange diplomatic missions. (QNA)
PACE PRESIDENT WELCOMES AGREEMENT BETWEEN TURKEY
AND ARMENIA TO NORMALISE RELATIONS
Trend
Sept 2 2009
Azerbaijan
"The agreement between Turkey and Armenia to normalise their
relations is excellent news," said Lluís-Maria de Puig, President
of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), PACE
website reported.
"This is something that the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council
of Europe has long been hoping for, and working towards.The two
governments have accepted that, whatever the difficulties of the past,
they must look to the future - on behalf of all their peoples. The
Assembly, a forum where Armenian and Turkish parliamentarians work
together as colleagues, stands ready to help in any way it can to
advance this process. I look forward to the ratification of these
two protocols by both parliaments, beginning a new - and brighter
- chapter in relations between these two Council of Europe member
states", he said.
Trend
Sept 2 2009
Azerbaijan
"The agreement between Turkey and Armenia to normalise their
relations is excellent news," said Lluís-Maria de Puig, President
of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), PACE
website reported.
"This is something that the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council
of Europe has long been hoping for, and working towards.The two
governments have accepted that, whatever the difficulties of the past,
they must look to the future - on behalf of all their peoples. The
Assembly, a forum where Armenian and Turkish parliamentarians work
together as colleagues, stands ready to help in any way it can to
advance this process. I look forward to the ratification of these
two protocols by both parliaments, beginning a new - and brighter
- chapter in relations between these two Council of Europe member
states", he said.
Tehran Times , Iran
Sept 6 2009
Turkey and Armenia getting closer to peace?
By Salman Ansari Javid
In a breakthrough that came about after a century of hostilities
Turkey and Armenia signed two protocols to establish diplomatic
relations, the two countries announced Monday. In talks brokered by
Switzerland the two countries' foreign ministries said that they would
begin talks aimed at producing a formal agreement.
The protocols said the border, which has been closed for more than 15
years, would be opened within two months of the ratification of each
country's Parliament. The ratification process is expected to be
completed within six weeks.
The protocols also call for the formation of an international history
commission to study the Armenian genocide, the central dispute between
the two nations that started at the end of the Ottoman Empire. Armenia
claims that from 1915 to 1918 more than one million Armenians were
massacred by the Ottoman Turk government. There is little dispute
among historians about the genocide. However, Ankara differs over the
number of Armenians killed in the conflict that Turkey defines as
civil war.
France has already classified this incident genocide, and it is
presently under debate in the U.S. Congress. The Islamic Republic has
chosen to stay neutral on the issue.
The two countries have never had diplomatic relations, and their
border has been closed since 1993, when Armenia and Azerbaijan went to
war over the enclave of Nagomo-Karabakh. Turkey supported Azerbaijan
during the dispute.
Nagomo-Karabakh is mainly populated by ethnic Armenians. The enclave
broke away from Azerbaijan in the late 1980s, sparking a 1992-94 war
between Armenian-backed separatists and the Azeri army.
Over 35,000 people were killed in the civil war and over one million
people were displaced. A ceasefire was agreed in 1994 but the
territory remains under Armenian control.
There are still minor skirmishes at the Armenia-Azerbaijan border
where two formidable forces face each other. Armenia called in the
Russian forces who face Turkey, a NATO country.
Turkey's President Abdullah Gul's `Football Diplomacy' in September
2008, created hopes for a friendship when he became the first modern
Turkish leader to visit Armenia, for a football World Cup qualifier
(which Armenia lost). The return match is scheduled in Istanbul and
President Serge Sargsyan of Armenia is invited to attend.
At the same time, the Swiss mediated talks which began last year
yielded results when Armenia agreed to normalize border and trade ties
before the genocide and other contentious issues could be discussed.
Olli Rehn, the European enlargement commissioner, who oversees
Turkey's EU membership application, welcomed the deal as a step
forward.
Turkey is under pressure from EU members to normalize its relations
with Armenia and ease laws on its minority Kurd population to allow
for free expression of political beliefs and stop suppression of
Kurdish culture.
Last week, Turkey signaled the opening of new talks with its Kurdish
minority, a conflict that has killed over 40,000 people.
On the other hand open borders can only help Armenia's battered
economy. First of all Armenian industries' will have access to some 70
million Turkish consumers and secondly its role as a transit country
will be greatly expanded.
The regional countries have a lot to benefit too from a peaceful
neighborhood
Sept 6 2009
Turkey and Armenia getting closer to peace?
By Salman Ansari Javid
In a breakthrough that came about after a century of hostilities
Turkey and Armenia signed two protocols to establish diplomatic
relations, the two countries announced Monday. In talks brokered by
Switzerland the two countries' foreign ministries said that they would
begin talks aimed at producing a formal agreement.
The protocols said the border, which has been closed for more than 15
years, would be opened within two months of the ratification of each
country's Parliament. The ratification process is expected to be
completed within six weeks.
The protocols also call for the formation of an international history
commission to study the Armenian genocide, the central dispute between
the two nations that started at the end of the Ottoman Empire. Armenia
claims that from 1915 to 1918 more than one million Armenians were
massacred by the Ottoman Turk government. There is little dispute
among historians about the genocide. However, Ankara differs over the
number of Armenians killed in the conflict that Turkey defines as
civil war.
France has already classified this incident genocide, and it is
presently under debate in the U.S. Congress. The Islamic Republic has
chosen to stay neutral on the issue.
The two countries have never had diplomatic relations, and their
border has been closed since 1993, when Armenia and Azerbaijan went to
war over the enclave of Nagomo-Karabakh. Turkey supported Azerbaijan
during the dispute.
Nagomo-Karabakh is mainly populated by ethnic Armenians. The enclave
broke away from Azerbaijan in the late 1980s, sparking a 1992-94 war
between Armenian-backed separatists and the Azeri army.
Over 35,000 people were killed in the civil war and over one million
people were displaced. A ceasefire was agreed in 1994 but the
territory remains under Armenian control.
There are still minor skirmishes at the Armenia-Azerbaijan border
where two formidable forces face each other. Armenia called in the
Russian forces who face Turkey, a NATO country.
Turkey's President Abdullah Gul's `Football Diplomacy' in September
2008, created hopes for a friendship when he became the first modern
Turkish leader to visit Armenia, for a football World Cup qualifier
(which Armenia lost). The return match is scheduled in Istanbul and
President Serge Sargsyan of Armenia is invited to attend.
At the same time, the Swiss mediated talks which began last year
yielded results when Armenia agreed to normalize border and trade ties
before the genocide and other contentious issues could be discussed.
Olli Rehn, the European enlargement commissioner, who oversees
Turkey's EU membership application, welcomed the deal as a step
forward.
Turkey is under pressure from EU members to normalize its relations
with Armenia and ease laws on its minority Kurd population to allow
for free expression of political beliefs and stop suppression of
Kurdish culture.
Last week, Turkey signaled the opening of new talks with its Kurdish
minority, a conflict that has killed over 40,000 people.
On the other hand open borders can only help Armenia's battered
economy. First of all Armenian industries' will have access to some 70
million Turkish consumers and secondly its role as a transit country
will be greatly expanded.
The regional countries have a lot to benefit too from a peaceful
neighborhood
Information-Analytic Agency NEWS.am, Armenia
Sept 5 2009
Turkish press: EU to involve Armenia in Nabucco project at Georgia's
expense
13:07 / 09/05/2009According to the Turkey-based Star newspaper, the
European Union (EU), which rendered great assistance to Armenia and
Turkey in reaching an agreement, wants the planned Nabucco natural gas
pipeline to run through Armenia, not Georgia, as a transit
country. The normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations may be
accompanied by changes in the regional energy balance. Armenia was
announced a prospective participant in the Nabucco project.
According to anonymous sources at the Turkish Ministry of Energy and
Natural Resources, the Armenian-Turkish rapprochement will alter the
energy project routes. A high-ranking representative of the Turkish
energy sector, the EU's long-lasting wish has been Armenia's
involvement in the Nabucco project. France was especially active in
promoting Armenia's participation. The EU does not want the pipeline
to be laid along the Georgian territory to avert new risks. So Armenia
is considered an alternative in energy projects as well. Caspian
energy resources will be transported to Europe through Armenia and
Turkey. This route is regarded not only as an alternative, but also as
the safest one.
According to the source, Armenia's participation in the Nabucco
project was on the agenda, but the issue was not considered because of
the discussions on the Armenian Genocide. Turkey set a veto on
France's participation in the project, and Germany was involved.
Other projects awaiting Armenian-Turkish rapprochement
The London-Beijing railway: In 2007, when the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars
railway construction project was launched, a statement was made that
the project was to be implemented for peace and stability. All
countries, including Armenia, were invited to take part in the
project.
The highway bypassing the Black Sea: The following Black Sea countries
will participate in the construction of a 7,000-long highway: Turkey,
Russia, Georgia, Ukraine, Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, Armenia, Albania,
Azerbaijan, Moldova and Serbia.
Air communication: The open borders will contribute to trade and
cultural communication. The Yerevan-Istanbul flights will be more
frequent, and the Ankara-Yerevan air route will be opened.
The TRACECA and INOGATE projects are ahead.
Karabakh to Armenia as a step for normalizing ties with Turkey, a
Turkish daily said.
Saturday, 05 September 2009 14:39
World Bulletin / News Desk
Armenia will demilitarize and open the Lachin corridor that connects
Karabakh to Armenia as a step for normalizing ties with Azerbaijan, a
Turkish daily said on Saturday.
Outside of the protocol between Turkey and Armenia, important steps
have been taken on the solution of Karabakh conflict. The Lachin
corridor connecting Karabakh to Armenia will be demilitarized and
opened to the world by Yerevan, Turkish daily Yenisafak said.
After a step that establishes diplomatic relations between Turkey and
Armenia, important steps have taken on the solution of the
Nagorno-Karabakh problem.
According to diplomatic sources, OSCE will send an observation team
for technical examination of the Lachin corridor in Karabakh in the
second half of September to the region.
Observation team's mission report will note strategic importance of
the Lachin corridor to provide the link between Karabakh and
Armenia. It will expressed that Armenian troops' withrawal from five
regions of the seven as important as to open the Lachin corridor in
the process of solution.
According to the roadmap for the solution of the Karabakh problem, the
new crossing point is expected to be the Commonwealth of Independent
States Summit on Oct. 5-7.
Azeri land has been under Armenian occupation in early 1990s in which
nearly 30,000 people died and 2 million were forced to flee their
homes. Shootings between Armenian and Azerbaijani forces in the region
remain common despite a 1994 cease fire.
Fighting between Azerbaijan and Armenia over the area ended in 1994
when a ceasefire was signed. The two sides are still technically at
war because no peace treaty has been signed.
Turkey's ties with Armenia
Turkey and Armenia announced a roadmap to normalise ties in April. But
Turkey has since said it would not open the frontier until Armenia
withdraws from occupied Nagorno-Karabakh.
A joint statement issued by Turkey, Armenia, and Switzerland on
Aug. 31 said that Turkey and Armenia agreed to start their internal
political consultations on the establishment of diplomatic ties and
development of bilateral relations.
The statement said internal political consultations over two
protocols, which had been agreed on under Swiss mediation, would be
completed within six weeks which would be followed by ratification at
Turkish and Armenian parliaments.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
2 comments:
Did I just witness one Zionist and two Christian countries sell the first Christian nation to a muslim country?
I don't know? If that is your vision then its not a good opinion. I guess reading the article you could very well come to that opinion, what is important is the justification, they say the problem is that they do not recognize the Armenian Genocide of 1915 because of the financial implications...In most part the young of Turkey do not even know of its occurrence. That in its self is a crime holding back historical information from their own schools, colleges and Universities..Or putting the question in a twisted and fractured sense in order to justify their conscientious. In which case its a good thing as it proves that they have one!
Its an unjust thing to withhold vital historic information the young deserve to be told the truth. But this is just my opinion, you don't have to agree.
Another point I would like to make is that there is a thought that as long as the problem between Israelis and the Palestinians remain...Armenia and Turkey will be locked in suspended animation.
I am all for peace but not at any cost...especially to the Armenians!
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