ARMENIA, TURKEY TO SIGN PROTOCOLS IN SIX WEEKS

urkey-announce-relations-protocols/
Aug 31, 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.

The timetable ans elements agreed by both sides for the implementation
of this Protocol are mentioned in the annexed document (See below),
which is an integral part of this Protocol.

This Protocol and the Protocol on the Estblishment of Diplomatic
Relation between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey
shall enter into force on the same day, i.e. on the fist day of the
first month following the exchanges of instruments of ratification.

Annexed Document: Timetable and elements for the implementation of
the Protocol on development of relations between the Republic of
Armenia and the Republic of Turkey

Timetable and elements for the implementation of the Protocol on
development of relations between the Republic of Armenia and the
Republic of Turkey

Steps to be undertaken Timing

1. to open the common border Within two months after the entry into
force of the Protocol on the development of relations between the
Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey

2. to establish a working group headed by the two Ministers of Foreign
Affairs to prepare the working modalities of the intergovernmental
commission and its sub-committees 2 months after the day following
entry into force of the Protocol on development of relations between
the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey

3. to approve the working modalities of the intergovernmental
commission and its sub-commissions and ministerial level Within
3 months after entry into force of the Protocol on development of
relations between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey

4. to organize the first meeting of the intergovernmental commission
Immediately after the adoption of the working modalities of the
intergovernmental commission and its sub-commissions at ministerial
level

5. to operate the following sub-commissions:

– the sub-commission on political consultations; – the sub- commission
on transport, communications, and energy infrastructure and networks,
– the sub-commission on legal matters – the sub-commission on science
and education – the sub-commission on trade, tourism, and economic
cooperation; – the sub-commission on the historical dimension to
implement a dialogue 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, in which Armenian, Turkish
as well as Swiss and other international experts shall take part.

At the latest 1 month after the first meeting of the intergovernmental
commission

For the Republic of Armenia

For the Republic of Turkey