THE TELEGRAPH: TURKEY AND ARMENIA ARE TO END ALMOST A CENTURY OF HOSTILITY BY OPENING DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS, A MOVE THAT WILL HELP SMOOTH THE WAY FOR ANKARA’S MEMBERSHIP OF THE EUROPEAN UNION.

ArmInfo
2009-09-07 14:43:00

ArmInfo. Turkey and Armenia are to end almost a century of hostility by
opening diplomatic relations, a move that will help smooth the way for
Ankara’s membership of the European Union. The neighbouring countries
announced the historic thaw with a joint statement setting a six-week
deadline to put diplomatic protocols into place for the first time
in the history of both countries, The Telegraph wrote on September 1.

:In a major concession by Turkey, the agreement states that both
countries will "implement dialogue on the historical dimension with
the aim to restore mutual confidence".

:European officials and diplomats yesterday hailed the deal, brokered
by Switzerland, as an important breakthrough, both for Turkey’s
troubled EU membership bid and as a sign of hope for stability in
the turbulent South Caucasus region.

"I commend the courage and vision of both sides to move forward
with this historic process," said Javier Solana, the EU’s foreign
policy chief.

"This is a crucial step towards normalisation of bilateral relations,
which would greatly contribute to peace, security and stability
throughout an important region of Europe."

Olli Rehn, the European enlargement commissioner, who oversees Turkey’s
EU membership application, welcomed the deal as a step forward,.

"The European Commission attaches high importance to a rapid and steady
implementation of the protocols on the establishment of diplomatic
relations," he said.

"This agreement should contribute to peace and stability in the
South Caucasus."

EU officials and diplomats have emphasised the importance of Turkish
and Armenian diplomatic relations for thawing frozen conflicts
across the Caucasus region an area which also borders Iran, Russia
and Georgia.

"Turkey is showing that it is reliable international partner and a
force for stability in one of the most dangerous conflict regions on
Europe," said an EU diplomat.

Last week, Turkey also pleased the EU by signalling the opening of
new talks with its Kurdish minority, a conflict that has killed over
40,000 people.

The Turkish government has been discussing easing restrictions, with
plans for an end to draconian laws that prohibit free expression of
political beliefs and suppress Kurdish culture.