EU welcomes Turkey-Armenia cooperation

Ararat News-Publishing (ANP) – Roni Alasor, Brussels – 2 / 9/ 2009 - EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), Javier Solana, welcomes the normalisation of relations between Turkey and Armenia. The President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, Ian Micallef and the European Commissioners Benita Ferrero-Waldner and Olli Rehn also gave positive reactions for the closer cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.

Regarding the normalisation between Turkey and Armenia, Mr. Solana said that EU welcomes yesterday’s agreement between Turkey and Armenia to start internal political consultations on the protocols providing the framework for establishing diplomatic relations.

-This is a crucial step towards normalisation of bilateral relations, which would greatly contribute to peace, security and stability throughout an important region of Europe. “

Mr. Solana underlined the importance of the possible solution for the conflict between Turkey and Armenia. He hopes that the courage and vision of both sides will move forward with this historic process. EU is generally positive for a good cooperation between Armenians and Turks and hope that the two protocols can be signed, ratified, and implemented in the near term.

Commissioners Benita Ferrero-Waldner and Olli Rehn expressed also their whish and hopes on relation between Turkey-Armenia relations:

 "The European Commission welcomes the agreement between Armenia and Turkey to advance the process of normalisation of relations. The European Commission attaches high importance to a rapid and steady implementation of the protocols on the establishment of diplomatic relations and on the development of bilateral relations. This agreement should contribute to peace and stability in the South Caucasus."

AGBU Europe positive for dialogue between Armenia and Turkey

Nicolas Tavitian, AGBU Europe Representative to the European Institutions, also has positive expectations: "The news of the agreement concluded between Turkey and Armenia is promising, and we look forward to Turkey ending the blockade of Armenia and establishing relations with this small country after 16 years. This has not happened yet however, and we will follow the progress of negotiations and of the implementation of this agreement with great attention. AGBU Europe is sure to monitor the different aspects of the discussions to come, including in particular the work of the intergovernmental committee that will discuss historical matters. We expect the international community and the EU in particular, to support the process."

“The Presidents should be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize!”

In a press release issued today, European Friends of Armenia (EuFoA) declares that the development of the relations between Turkey and Armenia is a historic window of opportunity in the new roadmap and timeframe for the establishment of diplomatic links and open borders without precondition. The representative of EuFoA, Secretary General Dr.Michael Kambeck hopes that it could become the first peaceful settlement of a bilateral conflict in the region for many decades.

“If the two governments really manage to pull this through, their Presidents should be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize! The positive effect and signal for both countries and the region as a whole would be tremendous. Let’s hope that during the consultations in the coming days, Turkey won’t come up with new conditions again, following Azeri intimidation”, said Dr. Kambeck.

Reaction from the European Armenian Federation

“Turkey should not be permitted to abuse these bilateral negotiations “packaging away” its historic national liabilities in border-opening agreements with Armenia, its economically vulnerable neighbour. The international community must reject Turkey’s most recent practice of imposing its policy of denial of the Armenian genocide through such biased bilateral deals. And the Swiss government should be more vigilant in its assessment of the moral implications of its mediation initiative given Turkey’s questionable record in all these issues,” stated Hilda Tchoboian, the chairperson of the European Armenian Federation.

« For decades, the European Armenian communities fought all forms of genocide denial, advocated for the right to self-determination of the people of Nagorno Karabagh, and defended the heritage of the Armenian people in all of its aspects, having by their side the unwavering support of the European society to their Just Cause. Today, we reaffirm our commitment to defend the legitimate rights of our People with the same determination,” concluded Hilda Tchoboian.