Monday, September 07, 2009
Although the two countries still have not resolved the Armenian genocide issue dating back to the early 20th century, Turkey and Armenia announced last week they are working on establishing formal relations for the first time ever. After a year of secret diplomatic talks in Switzerland, the foreign ministries of the two countries agreed to go public with their negotiations and their intent to reopen their shared border, closed since 1993. That year, the outbreak of war between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh led to the border being closed between Armenia and Turkey, which supported Azerbaijan.
Russia’s military action in Georgia last year prompted Turkish officials to improve their relations with neighboring countries, including Armenia. Meanwhile, a new government elected in Armenia led to a thaw in policy towards Ankara.
But it is uncertain whether Armenia will establish full ties with its longtime adversary if Turkish officials don’t admit to killing more than a million Armenians from 1915-1918 during the end of the Ottoman Empire.
The next round of talks is expected to conclude in time for the Turkey-Armenia World Cup qualifying match in Istanbul October 14.
-Noel Brinkerhoff
Turkey and Armenia to Establish Diplomatic Ties (by Sebnem Arsu, New York Times)
Turkey and Armenia: Thaw in a Century-Old Feud? (by Pelin Turgut/Halikisla, Time)
Comments