TURKEY, ARMENIA INK HISTORIC ACCORD
Atul Aneja

Hindu
April 23 2009
India

DUBAI: Turkey and Armenia have adopted a roadmap to normalise ties
after years of hostility which saw the two countries closing their
borders in 1993.

The two nations, which share a bitter history since the killings of
Armenians by Ottoman forces in 1915, took the step following intensive
mediation by Switzerland.

Analysts say the move is likely to have major geopolitical implications
at a time when Armenia, Turkey, Russia and Iran are engaged in efforts
to draw new energy corridors towards Europe.

The agreement is expected to upset pro-west Azerbaijan, which is
also competing for a share of the western energy markets. In a joint
statement, Foreign Ministries of Turkey, Armenia and Switzerland
hoped that the deal would strengthen peace, stability and security
in the whole region. Turkey has also advocated discussions between
rivals Armenia and Azerbaijan on the status of the region.

Envoys from Turkey and Armenia have been holding closed door talks in
Switzerland for the last two years. The thaw between the two became
visible when Turkish President Abdullah Gul visited the Armenian
capital Yerevan, to attend a 2010 World Cup qualifier between the
two countries. His host, the Armenian President, Serzh Sargsyan,
was also present. Mr. Sargsyan now plans to visit Turkey in October.