FULL TEXT OF THE PROTOCOLS SIGNED BY TURKEY AND ARMENIA

Journal of Turkish Weekly
Sept 3 2009

*** Protocol on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between
the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey ***

The Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey.

Desiring to establish good neighbourly 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 obligations 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 of
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 well as being determined to refrain from the threat
of 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 relevant treaties of international law,

Emphasizing their decisions to open the common border,

Reiterating their commitment to refrain from pursuing any policy
incompatible with the spirit of good neighbourly 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 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 accordance with the Vienna Convention on
Diplomatic Relations of 1961 and to exchange Diplomatic Missions.

This Protocol and the Protocol on the Development of Bilateral
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 of instruments of ratification.

Signed in (place) on (date) in Armenian, Turkish and English languages
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

*** Protocol on Development of Relations between the Republic of
Armenia and the Republic of 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 interest of both countries,

Supporting the promotion of the cooperation between the two countries,
in the international and regional organi9zations, 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
enchancimg 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 the conflicts on the basis of the
norms and principles of law,

Reaffirming their readiness to actively support the actions of eth
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 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 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. The timetable
and elements agreed by both sides for the implementation of this
Protocol are mentioned in the annexed document, which is 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

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 2 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-commission 2 months 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 sub-commissions at ministerial level

within 3 months 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 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 environmental issues: and

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 archive 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