TURKEY AND ARMENIA SHOULD DEVELOP THEIR BILATERAL RELATIONS BASING ON CONFIDENCE AND RESPECT TO THEIR MUTUAL INTERESTS: SAYS PROTOCOL ON DEVELOPMENT OF RELATIONS BETWEEN ARMENIA AND TURKEY

ArmInfo
2009-09-01 14:58:00

ArmInfo. 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 says
the press release by the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs,
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia and the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey.

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

"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 and 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.

Signed …………., with copies in Armenian, Turkish and English. In
case of disagreements supremacy will be given to the English text.

Republic of Armenia Republic of Turkey

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."

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress