See the official Turkish Foreign Ministry statement: http://www.mfa.gov.tr/no_-56_-22-april-200...elations.en.mfa

See the official Armenian Foreign Ministry statement: http://www.armeniaforeignministry.am/pr_09..._statement.html

I strongly support the opening of the Turkish-Armenian border.

That said, I don't count on the border opening anytime soon after the involvement of Azeris the way they did last week. There has been shaped a public opinion that this normalization process between Turkey and Armenia will alienate Azerbaijan (& it does not necessarily have to be so).

Azerbaijan is an important country for Turkey, and they should be part of this process as well. But, I don't see why they should be holding the keys to the entire Turkish-Armenian relations. Such a status is bound to hurt Turkish-Azeri relations as well sometimes in the future, if not right now.

The Azeris will be furious.

Didn't the Azeri President recently threaten to cut gas supplies to Turkey?

Yes, but what's their exact position and expectation here? At this stage there is only talks and "roadmaps" between Turkey and Armenia, and already Aliyev is flirting more closely with the Russians.

If any level of Turkish-Armenian rapprochement will alienate the Azeris, this might lead public opinions astray & deadlock the entire process. I may be wrong here, but the Azeri gov't seems to be hoping that Turkish pressure on Armenia would resolve the Karabag conflict in their favor (which is unrealistic). This would explain why Aliyev is already leaning on Russian support.

Again, Azeri gov't should become part of the process & further their talks with Armenia. Karabag situation is in a deadlock and there's no sense in extending this deadlock to every bit of Turkish-Armenian relations.

P.S: The natural gas "threat" wasn't fully confirmed, AFAIK, but I can't find a reliable news source on the exact diplomacy between Turkey & Azerbaijan.

Here`s a pretty interesting analysis by STRATFOR.Don`t know how reliable they are but it`s worth a read imho.They also mention about Azerbaijan`s threat to cut off the gas.

Given that turkey is responsible for training the azerbaijani army, which is notoriously rubbish, how much leeway do they have? The russias are certainly not going to give them karabag back so what do they hope to accomplish aside from punishing turkey?

World Bulletin / News Desk


Azerbaijan closes Turkish mosque in Baku: Report

The mosque was built beside the "Turks cemetery" erected in Baku in honour of
1130 Turkish soldiers died fighting withing "Caucasian Islam Army" against Armenian and Russian soldiers that occupied Azerbaijan in 1918.

Sunday, 26 April 2009 13:34

World Bulletin / News Desk

Azerbaijan, which is reacting to Turkey's rapprochement with Armenia, closed a Turkish mosque in Baku, Turkish newspaper Vatan reported.

Also, Azerbaijan decided to raise the price of natural gas it is selling to Turkey.

Azerbaijani police met religious officials after noon prayers at the Baku Martyrs Mosque, built by Turkish Religious Affairs Directorate. Then, they hang a note on the door of the mosque saying, "the mosque is closed for restoration."

Also, the head of the Azerbaijani oil company said, "the raised natural gas prices will be valid as of April 15." Therefore, Azerbaijan will ask Turkey to pay the retrospective difference.

The mosque was built on 28 June, 1995 beside the "Turks cemetery" (Martyrdom) erected in Baku in honour of 1130 Turkish soldiers died fighting withing "Caucasian Islam Army" against Armenian and Russian soldiers that occupied Azerbaijan in 1918.

"Road map"

Last week, Turkey and Armenia have agreed on a comprehensive framework for the normalization of their bilateral relations in a "mutually satisfactory manner".

The agreement between Turkey and Armenia depends on Karabakh even it's not mentioned in the road map.

Acoording to the report, Nagorno-Karabakh problem is not included to the agreement between two countries. Hovewer, it is said the road map, that contains of parallel steps to be taken, depends on Nagorno-Karabakh issue as a "de facto" point.

Turkey closed its border with Armenia in 1993 in support of Azerbaijan after Armenia occupied Nagorno-Karabakh.

Link

Armenian party leaves gov’t over Turk ties

Tuesday April 28, 2009

YEREVAN (AP) – A party in Armenia’s governing coalition says it is leaving in a dispute over the recent statement by Armenia and Turkey on improving relations. The Armenian Revolutionary Federation Dashnaktsutyun, which holds three cabinet positions and 16 parliament seats, is leaving the coalition to protest at not being consulted on last week’s statement, Armen Rustamian, a member of the party directorate, said yesterday.

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Full report here---> “Turkish Armenian Relations: Breaking the Vicious Circle”

"We are ready for change. I think it is important that Armenia and Turkey become friends again" -- Sonik Ghazaryan (on the left)


Armenia-Turkey thaw tinged with pain

Page last updated at 23:36 GMT, Saturday, 4 July 2009 00:36 UK

By Tom Esslemont

BBC News, Margara, Armenia

Attempts to reconcile Armenia and Turkey with a "roadmap" towards the restoration of full diplomatic ties have delighted some villagers near the countries' border - and angered others.

Armenia's border with Turkey has not been open since 1993 - and it shows.

The path to an old rusty kiosk, where once people would have had their passports stamped, is overgrown with weeds.

Russian border guards and Armenian soldiers keep watch for anyone trying to cross illegally. And in a startling echo of the Cold War, troops from Nato member Turkey look back from the other side.

The lush border village of Margara is about as far south as you can go in landlocked Armenia. But residents are now hopeful that an open border could change everything. Gharnik Kharibyan is in favour of it.

"The prospect of a border opening is not only a personal issue. It will help everyone. We want to become friends with the Turkish people - they are our neighbours," he says.

From the end of his garden you can see across to the Biblical Mount Ararat, whose snow-capped peaks rise above lush vines and tomato plantations in Turkish Anatolia.

Mr Kharibyan points across to Ararat, and turns to me with an air of nostalgia.

"You see the mountain?" he asks. "A lot of our history is rooted there on the other side of the border, and it will be good to be able to go there again."



Armenians look forward to the day they can visit Mount Ararat


The chapter of history Mr Kharibyan refers to is the time when hundreds of thousands of Armenians were killed during their mass deportation from Anatolia, in World War I. Armenia wants the atrocities to be internationally recognised as genocide.

Turkey does not see them as systematic killings.

That is why some Margara residents, like Sonik Ghazaryan, still have concerns - even though now she is prepared to move on.

"We are very sensitive about this issue because we remember the stories [about the killings] our ancestors told us," she said.

"But we are ready for change. I think it is important that Armenia and Turkey become friends again."

Football diplomacy

A thaw in relations has been taking place since September 2008, when the Turkish President, Abdullah Gul, visited the Armenian capital Yerevan to watch a football match between the two countries.

In April, the Armenian President, Serzh Sarkisian, announced a rapprochement with Turkey. The two countries agreed a roadmap to restoring diplomatic ties which, if adhered to, would pave the way for the border reopening as early as this autumn.



Turkish President Abdullah Gul visited Armenia in September


The party also pulled out of the governing coalition over the divisive issue.

"Our position is that our government should not give in to what Turkey is asking for - that Armenia should not pursue the international recognition of the Armenian genocide," Giro Manoyan, a leading member of the party, explained.

"If Armenia gives in to these preconditions, it will only be on the losing side. It will gain nothing."

Mr Manoyan also says there are other prerequisites to the border reopening - namely that Armenia's unresolved conflict with Azerbaijan over the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh must be settled first.

Despite international mediators' efforts, many are pessimistic that this will happen soon.

Social benefits

It is not just politicians who have been lobbying hard for genocide recognition, but also members of Armenia's huge diaspora.

Arpi Vartanyan, who represents the Armenian Assembly of America in Yerevan, says there is still a degree of uncertainty about the issue of the border reopening.



"Recognition of the genocide will come from the Turkish people, probably before the Turkish state" -- Turkish Armenian in Yerevan


"The Armenian genocide took place less than 100 years ago. People have not forgotten. There is concern about the sincerity of the Turks. There's concern about the safety of Armenians," he says.

"Some just don't know what it is going to represent and a fear of the unknown is sometimes paralysing."

Some of the diaspora - many of them direct descendants of victims of the mass killings - still live in Turkey.

Others, like Khachatur Terteryan, have returned to Yerevan. He now runs a restaurant there designed to make fellow Turkish Armenians feel at home - and to bring down the barriers between the two nations.

As Turkish-style shish kebabs sizzle under a hot grill, he explains how his opinions changed when he came to live in Armenia.

"I started to think as local people think - that recognition of the genocide will come from the Turkish people, probably before the Turkish state. The Turkish intellectuals will soon come round to that opinion," he says.

Few doubt that landlocked Armenia - whose borders are closed with Azerbaijan as well as Turkey - would benefit economically from improved relations. In Margara, Gharnik Kharibyan says it would have social benefits, too.

"The border opening will help the two nations to become friends," she says.

"It might help us expand our horizons too. There is currently no entertainment in this village. But in the future, who knows? Maybe we can forge a new society with our Turkish neighbours."

Turkey and Armenia have set themselves a tight timetable for their path to friendship. The presidents of the two countries are due to meet for a second time this autumn.

If they fail to stick to that plan, the rusty barbed wire border fence in Margara may remain in place for some time.

If they succeed, a brand new chapter in Armenia's history could be written very soon indeed.

Link

Turkey, Armenia agree to establish diplomatic ties

1 hr 10 mins ago

ANKARA, Turkey – The Turkish Foreign Ministry says Turkey and Armenia have agreed to establish diplomatic ties.

Ministry spokesman Burak Ozugergin says the neighboring countries agreed to start discussions leading to agreements for setting up and developing relations for the first time.

Ozugergin told The Associated Press on Monday that the negotiations should last for six weeks.

He said Turkey and Armenia had reached agreement on setting up ties through mediation by Switzerland.

Link

Armenia, Turkey Announce Relations Protocols

By Contributor on Aug 31st, 2009

BERNE, YEREVAN, ANKARA (Foreign Ministry Press Service)—The foreign ministers of Armenia, Turkey and Switzerland issued a joint announcement Monday outlining the protocols that will guide the establishment and development of relations between Turkey and Armenia.

Below is the text of the announcement and the protocols, which we received from the foreign ministry.

The Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey have agreed to start their internal political consultations on the two protocols – the “Protocol on the establishment of diplomatic relations” and the “Protocol on the development of bilateral relations” – which have been initiated in the course of their efforts under Swiss mediation.

The two Protocols provide for a framework for the normalization of 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 the ratification on each side. Both sides will make their best efforts for the timely progression of the ratification in line with their constitutional and legal procedures.

The normalization of bilateral relations will contribute to the regional peace and stability. The Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey are committed are pursuing their joint efforts with the assistance of Switzerland.



Protocol on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations

Between Republic of Armenia and Republic of Turkey

The Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey,

Desiring to establish good neighborly relations and to develop bilateral cooperation in the political, economic, cultural and other fields for the benefit of their peoples, as envisaged in the Protocol on the development of relations signed on the same day,

Referring to their obligation under the Charter of the United Nations, the Helsinki Final Act, the Charter of Paris for a New Europe,

Reconfirming their commitment, in their bilateral and international relations, to respect and ensure respect for the principles equality, sovereignty, non intervention in internal affairs of other states, territorial integrity and inviolability of frontiers,

Bearing in mind the importance of the creation and maintenance of an atmosphere of trust and confidence between the two countries that will contribute to the strengthening of peace, security and stability of the whole region, as wll as being determined to refrain from the threat or the use of force, to promote the peaceful settlement of disputes, and to protect human rights and fundamental freedoms,

Confirming the mutual recognition of the existing border between the two countries as defined by the relevant treaties of international law,

Emphasizing their decision to open the common border.

Reiterating their commitment to refrain from pursuing any policy incompatible with the spirit of good neighborly relations.

Condemning all forms of terrorism, violence and extremism irrespective of their cause, pledging to refrain from encouraging and tolerating such acts and to cooperate in combating against them,

Affirming their willingness to chart a new pattern and course for their relations on the basis of common interests, goodwill and in pursuit of peace, mutual understanding and harmony,

Agree to establish diplomatic relations as of the date of the entry into force of this Protocol in accordance with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961 and to exchange Diplomatic Missions.



Protocol on Development of Relations Between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey

Guided by the Protocol on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey signed on the same day,

Considering the perspectives of developing their bilateral relations, based on confidence and respect to their mutual interests,

Determining to develop and enhance their bilateral relations, in the political, economic, energy, transport, scientific, cultural issues and other fields, based on common interests of both countries,

Supporting the promotion of the cooperation between the two countries in the international and regional organizations, especially within the framework of the UN, the OSCE, the Council of Europe, the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council and the BSEC,

Taking into account the common purpose of both States to cooperate for enhancing regional stability and security for ensuring democratic and sustainable development of the region,

Reiterating their commitment to the peaceful settlement of regional and international disputes and conflicts on the basis of the norms and principles of international law,

Reaffirming their readiness to actively support the actions of the international community in addressing common security threats to the region and world security and stability, such as terrorism, transnational organized crimes, illicit trafficking of drugs and arms,

1. Agree to open the common border within 2 months after entry into force of this Protocol,

2. Agree to Conduct regular political consultation between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the two countries;

Implement a dialogue on the historical dimension with the aim to restore mutual confidence between the two nations, including an impartial and scientific examination of the historical records and archives to define existing problems and formulate recommendations;

Make the best possible use of existing transport, communications and energy infrastructure and networks between the two countries and to undertake measures in this regard;

Develop the bilateral legal framework in order to foster cooperation between the two countries;

Cooperate in the fields of science and education by encouraging relations between the appropriate institutions as well as promoting the exchange of specialists and students, and act with the aim of preserving the cultural heritage of both sides and launching common cultural projects;

Establish consular cooperation in accordance with the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations of 1963 in order to provide necessary assistance and protection to the citizens of the two countries;

Take concrete measures in order to develop trade, tourism and economic cooperation between the two countries;

Engage in a dialogue and reinforce their cooperation on environmental issues.

3. Agree on the establishment of an intergovernmental bilateral commission which shall comprise separate sub-commissions for the prompt implementation of the commitments mentioned in operation paragraph 2 above in this Protocol. To prepare the working modalities of the intergovernmental commission and its sub-commissions, a working group headed by the two Ministers of Foreign Affairs shall be created 2 months after the day following the entry into force of this Protocol. Within 3 months after the entry into force of this Protocol, these modalities shall be approved at ministerial level. The intergovernmental commission shall meet for the first time immediately after the adoption of the said modalities. The sub-commissions shall start their work at the latest 1 month thereafter and they shall work continuously until the completion of their mandates. Where appropriate, international experts shall take part in the sub-commissions.

Link

Link

FOOTBALL DIPLOMACY: Hopes escalate for Armenian President Serge Sarkisian to attend a football match in Turkey in October


New protocols set ground for Turkey, Armenia common future

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

SERKAN DEMİRTAŞ

ANKARA – Hürriyet Daily News

With the second half of ‘football diplomacy’ just weeks away, Turkish and Armenian leaders are pledging to sign protocols that will usher in a new era of open relations between the two countries. The future isn’t certain, however, as the parliaments and presidents on both sides of the border will need to ratify the agreements before they can come into force

After decades of tension between the neighbors, Turkey and Armenia are set to sign protocols that promise to shape a broad common ground for establishing good ties and undertaking joint projects important for future development.

The two countries are expected to ink two protocols in six weeks, likely just before the World Cup qualifying match that will take place in Bursa on Oct. 14 between Turkey and Armenia’s national teams.

The first protocol, covering the establishment of diplomatic relations, and the second, on the development of relations, are accompanied by an annex that sets a clear timetable for the implementation of both.

Though uncertainties remain, the agreements envision the opening of the Turkey-Armenia border within two months after the second protocol goes into force, which requires approval from both parliaments and presidents.

“[Turkey and Armenia] reconfirm their commitment, in their bilateral and international relations, to respect and ensure respect for the principles of equality, sovereignty, non-intervention in internal affairs of other states, territorial integrity and inviolability of frontiers,” the first protocol reads.

The initial part of the agreement also touches on the issue of regional stability without making direct reference to the ongoing dispute over Nagorno-Karabakh, an Azerbaijani territory occupied by Armenian forces. Refraining from the use of threats or force, promoting the peaceful settlement of disputes and protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms are also key provisions in the protocol.

Borders to be recognized

Under the agreement, the two countries will also affirm their mutual recognition of their existing border, as defined by relevant treaties in international law, a provision that directly refers to one of Turkey’s most important demands, Armenia’s acknowledgement of the 1921 Treaty of Kars that delimited the border. This aspect of the protocol can be seen as Armenia’s confirmation that it will no longer make any claims on Turkish territory.

The next item of the protocol once again affirms the countries’ decision to open the common border, which was sealed by Turkey in response to Armenia’s occupation of Nagorno-Karabakh. Previously, Turkey had said it would not move toward reconciliation with Armenia unless the country removed its forces from Azerbaijani lands.

“Condemning all forms of terrorism, violence and extremism irrespective of their cause, pledging to refrain from encouraging and tolerating such acts and to cooperate in combating against them,” are among the other terms of the protocol. As Turkish intelligence services believe that Armenia is one of the countries providing support to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party, or PKK, Turkey will press Armenia to severe any links with the banned organization.

The protocol on the development of relations lists a number of fields in which the two countries will work to launch joint projects. In addition to political and economic ties, Turkey and Armenia will set up sub-commissions to work on energy- and transportation-related efforts, as well as other scientific, technical and cultural issues, that will foster a common future based on mutual interests. Projects set to be launched in the short term include the reactivation of existing railroads and joint electricity production.

In another reference to the peaceful settlement of regional disputes, the protocol text says the countries are “reiterating their commitment to the peaceful settlement of regional and international disputes and conflicts on the basis of the norms and principles of international law.”

Under the new agreements, Turkey and Armenia will also work together to stop transnational organized crime, including the illicit trafficking of drugs and arms.

Initiating a historical dialogue

In addition to the main aims of the two protocols, the neighboring countries have also agreed to set up a sub-commission to deal with the mass killings that occurred during the World War I era. The sub-commission will be able to invite foreign experts to contribute to its work. It is charged with implementing “a dialogue on the historical dimension with the aim to restore mutual confidence between the two nations, including an impartial scientific examination of the historical records and archives to define existing problems and formulate recommendations.”

The two countries will also cooperate in the fields of science and education by encouraging relations between appropriate institutions and promoting the exchange of specialists and students, and will act to preserve the cultural heritage of both sides by launching joint cultural projects.

The timetable

After negotiations are completed, the protocols are expected to be signed in the first half of October and will then be sent to Parliament for further discussion. The final approval of the protocols must be made by President Abdullah Gül. It is not yet known how long it may take to complete the ratification process.

The protocol calls for the border to be opened within two months of the documents’ entry into force, meaning that if Gül approves them on Nov. 1, for example, the border would have to be opened before the New Year.

The two countries will also establish a working group headed by their respective foreign ministries to prepare an intergovernmental commission, along with a number of sub-commissions, that will be convened within three months after the protocol goes into effect. The sub-commissions will convene a month after the initial intergovernmental meeting.

Uncertainty over Karabakh

Though a key step in the reconciliation process, the protocols do not address all the questions marks in the relationship between the two countries. After Turkey and Armenia declared their initial “road map” for reconciliation on April 22, Baku’s strong reaction caused Ankara to backpedal and declare that it would only move forward if Armenia withdrawals from occupied Azerbaijani lands. The current protocol does not address this issue. Turkish diplomats say there are still two parallel tracks, but thus far, the implementation is not showing that to be the case.

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So Armenia is going to recognize the Treaty of Kars and renounce all claims? That is pretty shocking. They better have a secret deal to be compensated with a bigger slice of Azerbijian.