ARMENIA, TURKEY AGREE TO START CONSULTATIONS ON ESTABLISHING DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS

Interfax
Sept 1 2009
Russia

Armenia and Turkey have agreed to start internal political
consultations on the issue of establishing diplomatic relations
between the two countries, the Armenian Foreign Ministry told Interfax
on Monday.

Consultations will be held around two protocols, the protocol on the
establishment of diplomatic relations between two countries and the
protocol on the development of bilateral relations, the ministry said.

These documents were signed earlier at the talks mediated by
Switzerland.

The internal political consultations will be completed within
a six-week period, resulting in both protocols being signed and
submitted for ratification with the two countries’ parliaments,
the Armenian Foreign Ministry said in a press statement.

These protocols outline the framework of regulating the relations
within a reasonable period of time, the statement said.

"The parties will do their utmost to ensure swift ratification in line
with their respective constitutional and legislative processes. The
bilateral settlement will facilitate the regional peace and stability,"
the statement said.

Armenia and Turkey are willing to continue their joint efforts under
Switzerland’s mediation, the document also said.