PanARMENIAN.Net

Armenia-Turkey border closure has been illegal
04.04.2009 14:40 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ U.S., Turkish, and Armenian diplomats have been
spreading word that an agreement between Turkey and Armenia is
imminent. The agreement would likely have the following elements:

Turkey would agree to open the border with Armenia, which it closed 16
years ago today, and to establish diplomatic relations with Armenia.

Armenia would agree to an intergovernmental commission to examine all
issues that constitute the Armenia-Turkey agenda.

The United States would refrain from dealing publicly with any of the
most contentious historical and contemporary issues on the
Armenia-Turkey agenda while the commission was in play.

If Turkey actually opens the border and agrees to establish diplomatic
relations, it would be taking steps in the right direction. The border
closure has been illegal. Both Armenia and Turkey’s eastern provinces
will see some benefits from open borders. And Turkey will gain some
credibility as a regional leader.

Furthermore, if Turkey actually opens the border, it will signal that
it no longer allows Azerbaijan-Armenia relations to determine the
nature of Turkey-Armenia relations. Such a change would be a welcome
step toward regional stability and integration.

Armenia’s challenge is to secure normal relations with Turkey while
refusing to fudge on the truth and ongoing relevance of the Armenian
Genocide.

Turkey’s challenge is that it needs to go beyond its annual pre-April
24 charm offensive and actually do something with Armenia, The
Armenian Reporter informs.