TURKEY, ARMENIA ENGAGE
Providence Journal-Bulletin (Rhode Island)
October 21, 2009 Wednesday
Some last-minute mediation by Secretary of State Hillary Rodham
Clinton salvaged a potentially historic agreement between Turkey
and Armenia. The parliaments of both still must ratify the accord,
but if they do, these longstanding enemies should both be better
off. The U.S. will benefit from an easing of tensions in the region,
which holds strategic importance as well as valuable resources.
Signed by officials in Switzerland Oct. 10, the agreement would reopen
the border between Turkey and landlocked Armenia. It was closed in
1993 by Turkey, which has sided with Azerbaijan in its conflict with
Armenia. The dispute, over the Armenian enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh,
continues, with Armenia still occupying the area. Turkey s prime
minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has sent conflicting signals about
whether the issue must be settled before the Turkish-Armenian deal
can be concluded. Washington has agreed to help resolve the dispute,
but that may not be enough to win over the Turks. Azerbaijan is a
major source of oil and natural gas for Turkey, and, as members of
Turkey s parliament are well aware, it has been threatening to take
its business to Russia.
The accord also calls for opening diplomatic relations for the first
time in the two nations long, antagonistic history. A century ago,
more than 1 million Armenians were killed by the Turks in what the
Armenians rightly insist was genocide. Turkey has steadfastly rejected
the label, punishing its own citizens when they dare to disagree
publicly. Some Armenians strongly oppose the new accord, because it
calls for a joint historical commission to explore the issue. They
fear that such an inquiry will let the Turks deny responsibility
indefinitely, and make it harder to seek compensation.
The genocide question remains enormously sensitive, with members
of Congress seeking annually to pass resolutions sympathetic to the
Armenians. During his campaign, President Obama pledged to recognize
the slaughter as genocide, a vow that now places him in a delicate
position. Turkey is an important U.S. ally that has provided key
support in the Afghan and Iraqi wars, and Mr. Obama is clearly trying
to stay on good terms with its government. Yet an accord would benefit
Armenia as well. Improved relations could have a ripple effect in
the region, reducing conflict, enhancing trade and paving the way
for new oil pipelines to the West.
Secretary of State Clinton faces tough odds in coaxing this agreement
toward completion, but she has done very well so far.
From: Baghdasarian