PROTOCOL ON DEVELOPMENT OF RELATIONS BETWEEN THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA AND THE REPUBLIC OF TURKEY

AZG DAILY
02-09-2009

Armenia-Turkey

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, technical, 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 and the BSEC,

Taking into account the common purpose of both States to cooperate for
enhancing regional stability and security for ensuring the 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 the entry
into force of this Protocol,

2. Agree to conduct regular political consultations 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 scientific
examination of the historical records and archives to define existing
problems and formul e 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 compromise separate sub-commissions for the
prompt implementation of the commitments mentioned in operational
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 and elements agreed by both sides for the implementation
of this Protocol are mentioned in the annexed document, which is an
integral part of this Protocol.

This Protocol and the Protocol on the Establishment of Diplomatic
Relations between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of
Turkey shall enter into force on the same day, i.e. on the first
day of the first month following the exchange of instruments of
ratification. Signed in (place) on (date) in Armenian, Turkish and
English authentic copies in duplicate. In case of divergence of
interpretation, the English text shall prevail. For the Republic of
Armenia For 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 2 month 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 subcommisions, 2 month after the day following
the entry into force of the Protocol on the 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 subcommissions at the ministerial level Within three
month after the entry into force of the Protocol on the 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 subcommissions at the ministerial
level

5. to operate the following subcommissions:

– the subcommission on political consultations

– the subcommission on transport, communications and energy
infrastructure and networks,

– the subcommission on legal matters, t ssion on science and education,

– the subcommission on trade, tourism and economic cooperation,

– the subcommission on environmental issues,

– the subcommission on the historical dimension to implement 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