Trend, Azerbaijan
Sept 11 2009

Turkish Foreign Minister to discuss protocol Ankara-Yerevan in
parliament

Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu proposes to hold discussions
on the protocol signed under Switzerland’s mediation between Ankara
and Yerevan in Turkish Grand National Assembly (Parliament), ANADOLU
Turkish information agency said.

Turkish foreign ministry said in August that the agreement was reached
at the talks with Armenia under Switzerland’s mediation. The agreement
concerns launching of internal political consultations on ‘Protocol on
establishment of diplomatic relations’ and ‘Protocol on development of
bilateral relations’.

Political consultations are planned to be completed within six
weeks. Afterwards, two protocols will be signed. These protocols will
be submitted for signing and approval to the parliament of both
countries, Turkish foreign ministry said.

"At present, Turkey does not plan to open the border with neighboring
Armenia," Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said.

There are no diplomatic relations between Turkey and Armenia. The
border between the countries has been closed since 1993.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988
when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan
lost all of Nagorno-Karabakh except for Shusha and Khojali in December
1991. In 1992-93, Armenian armed forces occupied Shusha, Khojali and 7
districts surrounding Nagorno-Karabakh. Azerbaijan and Armenia signed
a ceasefire in 1994. The co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group – Russia,
France, and the U.S. – are currently holding the peace negotiations.

Davutoglu is also expected to meet with leaders of political parties,
ANADOLU agency said. The protocol Ankara-Yerevan will be discussed at
the meeting.