TURKEY-ARMENIA DETENTE GOOD FOR U.S.
/PanARMENIAN.Net/
08.09.2009 13:11 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Turkey and Armenia announced their intention to
establish diplomatic relations, open the closed border between the
two countries and launch a series of talks and confidence-building
measures aimed at resolving long-standing disputes and fostering
closer cooperation, GlobalPost writes.
"To be sure, these protocols will need to be ratified in Ankara and
Yerevan, and some important political hurdles remain. But these new
accords, reached with the help of Swiss mediation, could transform
regional stability in the Black Sea region. They are also very good
news for American and European interests.
First, an open border will contribute to the economic development
of Armenia and rebalance the country’s position between East and
West. Second, improved relations between Armenia and Turkey can have
an important demonstration effect. Multiple flashpoints and "frozen
conflicts" around the Black Sea underscore the dangers of resurgent
nationalism against a backdrop of economic strain. Third, for Turkey,
a genuine opening to Armenia will reinforce the country’s new approach
to foreign policy. In recent years, Turkish leaders have pursued a
"zero problems" approach to relations in the Balkans, the Aegean, the
Black Sea and the Middle East. By and large, Ankara has succeeded in
transforming its often troubled relations with neighbors as diverse
as Greece, Bulgaria and Syria.
Finally, the roadmap set out by the parties envisions the establishment
of an international commission to review the contentious history of
1915 and its aftermath that has bedeviled Armenian-Turkish relations
for nearly 100 years. It would be surprising if this group manages to
reconcile strongly held and competing historical narratives. It would
be even more surprising if detente between Ankara and Yerevan ends
the perennial debate in the U.S. Congress on an Armenian genocide
resolution – feelings run too high on this matter, especially among
the Armenian diaspora.
Yet the tragic events of 1915 will extend the trend of recent years,
in which both societies have become more comfortable with frank
discussion about Armenian-Turkish relations, past and present. From
the perspective of American regional interests, there is much to be
gained from a climate in which pressing bilateral issues, including
Iran, Russia and energy security, can take center stage in relations
with Ankara – and Yerevan.
The prospect of genuine Armenian-Turkish detente can help make this
a reality. The process deserves continued and unreserved support from
Washington," the article says.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
