PROTOCOL ON TURKEY-ARMENIA TIES FORESEES OPENING OF BORDERS IN TWO MONTHS

Anadolu Ajansi
Sept 1 2009
Turkey

ANKARA (A.A) -"The protocol on development of relations between
Turkey and Armenia," one of the two protocols signed Monday towards
normalisation of relations, foresees opening of borders of two
countries in two months.

With the protocol, the parties agreed to implement a set of confidence
building measures in various areas to normalise their relations which
has been strained since the invasion of Upper Karabakh by Armenia.

The protocol foresees establishment of working groups and commissions
to enhance relations in political, economic, energy, transport,
scientific, technical, cultural areas and other fields, based on
mutual interests and promotion of the cooperation between the two
countries in the international and regional organisations.

-Full text-

Full text of the protocol is as follows:

The Republic of Turkey and the Republic of Armenia,

Guided by the Protocol on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations
between the Republic of Turkey and the Republic of Armenia 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 organisations, 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 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 organised 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.

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 Turkey and the Republic of Armenia
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 (date, place) in Turkish, Armenian and English authentic
copies in duplicate. In case of divergence of interpretation, the
English text shall prevail.