PROTOCOLS NOT TO BE RATIFIED SOON: SABINE FREIZER

news.am
April 21 2010
Armenia

There is little chance that Armenia-Turkey Protocols will be ratified
by the countries’ parliaments soon, reads the article by Sabine
Freizer — Crisis Group’s Europe Program Director in Global Post.

She notes that RA President Serzh Sargsyan is also pressurized on the
issue. "Even though a quick ratification in Armenia would firmly put
the ball in Turkey’s court and give Yerevan credit internationally,
domestic opposition is strong," she says. The expert offers both
sides to put aside disputable provisions in the Protocols and focus on
less problematic issues. In particular, she recommends to start with
establishment of diplomatic ties and recognition of mutual borders
(the latter is the most disputable point-edit.). Freizer recalls
that there are hundreds of unresolved issues between the sides, for
instance 40 000 Armenians residing in Turkey, tourists who visit
"the Turkish Riviera" as well as "Turkish truck drivers and small
businesses operating in Armenia."

"Even in the current difficult diplomatic climate, the leaders of
Turkey and Armenia can and should take these initial steps to ensure
their people can build up a prosperous future and help them come to
terms with their shared traumatic history," the author concludes.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress