Month: September 2009

ARMENIA, TURKEY START INTERNAL POLITICAL CONSULTATIONS

armradio.am
01.09.2009 10:32

The Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey have agreed to
start their internal political consultations on the two protocols –
the "Protocol on the establishment of diplomatic relations" and the
"Protocol on the development of bilateral relations" – which have
been initiated in the course of their efforts under Swiss mediation.

The two Protocols provide for a framework for the normalization of
their bilateral relations within a reasonable timeframe. The political
consultations will be completed within six weeks, following which
the two Protocols will be signed and submitted to the respective
Parliaments for the ratification on each side. Both sides will make
their best efforts for the timely progression of the ratification in
line with their constitutional and legal procedures.

The normalization of bilateral relations will contribute to the
regional peace and stability. The Republic of Armenia and the Republic
of Turkey are pursuing their joint efforts with the assistance of
Switzerland.

Protocol on Development of Relations Between the Republic of Armenia
and the Republic of Turkey:

Guided by the Protocol on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations
between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey signed on
the same day,

Considering the perspectives of developing their bilateral relatio ns,
based on confidence and respect to their mutual interests,

Determining to develop and enhance their bilateral relations, in the
political, economic, energy, transport, scientific, cultural issues
and other fields, based on common interests of both countries,

Supporting the promotion of the cooperation between the two countries
in the international and regional organizations, especially within the
framework of the UN, the OSCE, the Council of Europe, the Euro-Atlantic
Partnership Council and the BSEC,

Taking into account the common purpose of both States to cooperate
for enhancing regional stability and security for ensuring democratic
and sustainable development of the region,

Reiterating their commitment to the peaceful settlement of regional
and international disputes and conflicts on the basis of the norms
and principles of international law,

Reaffirming their readiness to actively support the actions of the
international community in addressing common security threats to
the region and world security and stability, such as terrorism,
transnational organized crimes, illicit trafficking of drugs and arms,

1. Agree to open the common border within 2 months after entry into
force of this Protocol,

2. Agree to Conduct regular political consultation between the
Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the two countries;

Implement a dialogue on the historical dimension with the aim to
restore mutual confidence between the two nations,20including an
impartial and scientific examination of the historical records and
archives to define existing problems and formulate recommendations;

Make the best possible use of existing transport, communications and
energy infrastructure and networks between the two countries and to
undertake measures in this regard;

Develop the bilateral legal framework in order to foster cooperation
between the two countries;

Cooperate in the fields of science and education by encouraging
relations between the appropriate institutions as well as promoting
the exchange of specialists and students, and act with the aim of
preserving the cultural heritage of both sides and launching common
cultural projects;

Establish consular cooperation in accordance with the Vienna Convention
on Consular Relations of 1963 in order to provide necessary assistance
and protection to the citizens of the two countries;

Take concrete measures in order to develop trade, tourism and economic
cooperation between the two countries; Engage in a dialogue and
reinforce their cooperation on environmental issues.

3. Agree on the establishment of an intergovernmental bilateral
commission which shall comprise separate sub-commissions for the
prompt implementation of the commitments mentioned in operation
paragraph 2 above in this Protocol.

To prepare the working modalities of the intergovernmental commission
and its sub-commissions, a working group headed by the two Ministers of

Foreign Affairs shall be created 2 months after the day following the
entry into force of this Protocol. Within 3 months after the entry
into force of this Protocol, these modalities shall be approved at
ministerial level. The intergovernmental commission shall meet for
the first time immediately after the adoption of the said modalities.

The sub-commissions shall start their work at the latest 1 month
thereafter and they shall work continuously until the completion of
their mandates.

Where appropriate, international experts shall take part in the
sub-commissions.

The timetable and elements agreed by both sides for the implementation
of this Protocol are mentioned in the annexed document (See below),
which is an integral part of this Protocol.

This Protocol and the Protocol on the Estblishment of Diplomatic
Relation between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey
shall enter into force on the same day, i.e. on the fist day of the
first month following the exchanges of instruments of ratification.

Annexed Document:

Desiring to establish good neighborly relations and to develop
bilateral cooperation in the political, economic, cultural and other
fields for the benefit of their peoples, as envisaged in the Protocol
on the development of relations signed on the same day,

Referring to their obligation under the Charter of the United Nations,
the Helsinki Final Act, the Charter of Paris for a New Europe, 0A
Reconfirming their commitment, in their bilateral and international
relations, to respect and ensure respect for the principles equality,
sovereignty, non intervention in internal affairs of other states,
territorial integrity and inviolability of frontiers,

Bearing in mind the importance of the creation and maintenance of
an atmosphere of trust and confidence between the two countries that
will contribute to the strengthening of peace, security and stability
of the whole region, as wll as being determined to refrain from the
threat or the use of force, to promote the peaceful settlement of
disputes, and to protect human rights and fundamental freedoms,

Confirming the mutual recognition of the existing border between the
two countries as defined by the relevant treaties of international law,

Emphasizing their decision to open the common border.

Reiterating their commitment to refrain from pursuing any policy
incompatible with the spirit of good neighborly relations.

Condemning all forms of terrorism, violence and extremism irrespective
of their cause, pledging to refrain from encouraging and tolerating
such acts and to cooperate in combating against them,

Affirming their willingness to chart a new pattern and course for
their relations on the basis of common interests, goodwill and in
pursuit of peace, mutual understanding and harmony,

Agree to establish diplomatic relations as of the date of the entry
into force of this Protocol in accordance with the Vienna Convention
on Diplomatic Relations of 1961 and to exchange Diplomatic Missions.

Steps to be undertaken:

1. to open the common border within two months after the entry into
force of the Protocol on the development of relations between the
Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey

2. to establish a working group headed by the two Ministers of Foreign
Affairs to prepare the working modalities of the intergovernmental
commission and its sub-committees 2 months after the day following
entry into force of the Protocol on development of relations between
the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey

3. to approve the working modalities of the intergovernmental
commission and its sub-commissions and ministerial level within
3 months after entry into force of the Protocol on development of
relations between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey

4. to organize the first meeting of the intergovernmental commission
Immediately after the adoption of the working modalities of the
intergovernmental commission and its sub-commissions at ministerial
level

5. to operate the following sub-commissions: – the sub-commission
on political consultations; – the sub- commission on transport,
communications, and energy infrastructure and networks, – the
sub-commission on legal matters – the sub-commission on science
and education – the sub-commission on trade, tourism, and economic
cooperation; – the s ub-commission on the historical dimension to
implement a dialogue with the aim to restore mutual confidence between
the two nations, including an impartial scientific examination of
the historical records and archives to define existing problems and
formulate recommendations, in which Armenian, Turkish as well as
Swiss and other international experts shall take part. At the latest
1 month after the first meeting of the intergovernmental commission.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

US WELCOMES ARMENIA-TURKEY NORMALIZATION

armradio.am
01.09.2009 10:55

The United States warmly welcomes the joint statement made by Turkey
and Armenia, with Swiss participation, outlining further steps in
the normalization of their bilateral relations.

"The United States warmly welcomes the joint statement made by Turkey
and Armenia," said State Department spokesman Ian Kelly, referring to
the plans to establish diplomatic relations and re-open their border
in a bid to end decades of mutual distrust and resentment.

"It has long been and remains the position of the United States that
normalization should take place without preconditions and within
a reasonable timeframe. We urge Armenia and Turkey to proceed
expeditiously, according to the agreed framework as described in
today’s statement,"Kelly said in a statement

"We remain ready to work closely with both governments in support
of normalization, a historic process that will contribute to peace,
security and stability throughout the region," the State Department
spokesman said.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

NICOLAS SARKOZY: ARMENIA-TURKEY NORMALIZATION WOULD CONTRIBUTE TO REGIONAL STABILITY

armradio.am
01.09.2009 11:27

French President Nicolas Sarkozy has welcomed the joint statement made
by Turkey and Armenia, with Swiss participation, outlining further
steps in the normalization of bilateral relations,

"Normalizing relations between Armenia and Turkey would constitute an
event of historic import that would contribute to regional stability,"
Sarkozy said in a statement, AP reports.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

LESSONS OF COURAGE BY DM SEYRAN OHANYAN
Marianna Gyurjyan

"Radiolur"
01.09.2009 14:46

"Lessons of courage" by the Minister of Defense: on the Knowledge Day
DM Seyran Ohanyan visited Yerevan School #125 after Smbat Byurat to
give a lesson to senior pupils.

"One of the peculiarities of contemporary history is the great
importance of the role of army in hard conditions. The strong
army was shaped from detachments consisting of people of different
professions. The Armenian nation has always been close to martial
arts," said the Defense Minister and referred to the liberation
of Shoushi, a reflection of selflessness of our skilled commanders
and soldiers.

"If the country is in danger, all of us should unite to protect it,"
Seyran Ohanyan said, and expressed hope that in case of danger the
young people present at the lesson would act more courageously.

PUBLIC DISCUSSIONS ON ARMENIAN-TURKISH RELATIONS IMPORTANT

armradio.am
01.09.2009 15:38

"We have tried to normalize our relations with the neighbor country
with dignity as it befits the civilized world of the 21st century,"
President Serzh Sargsyan declared in his speech at the annual meeting
of the representatives of the central apparatus of the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs and the heads of Armenia’s diplomatic representations.

Serzh Sargsyan reminded that the Republic of Armenia and the
Republic of Turkey have agreed to start their internal political
consultations on the two protocols – the "Protocol on the establishment
of diplomatic relations" and the "Protocol on the development of
bilateral relations." The two documents reflect the summary of the
agreements reached so far.

According to the President the protocols made public on the eve
reflect three core realities.

1. "I have stated on different occasions that our talks with Turkey
and the agreements reached include no precondition connected with
the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh issue.

2. As we were assuring, the historical issues between Armenia and
Turkey will be discussed in the format of one of the sub-commissions
of the intergovernmental commission, not a commission of historians.

3. For the first time in the history of independent Armenia the
signing of important international documents wil l be preceded by
public discussions. These will provide an opportunity to listen to
all opinions and approaches."

The President noted that he attaches importance to the activeness of
the diplomats on the issue.

"You should be active during those public discussions both in Armenia
and the Diaspora. You have to outline and clarify the provisions of
the protocols.

I expect active discussions in the Diaspora Armenian communities and
international research centers," Serzh Sargsyan stated.

SERZH SARGSYAN: KARABAKH SETTLEMENT IS NOT A MATTERS OF DAYS, WEEKS OR MONTHS

armradio.am
01.09.2009 16:05

"Our primary objectives at this point include guaranteeing the security
of Nagorno Karabakh in the period of negotiations and reaching a
correct comprehension of the issue by the international community. In
this conflict the Armenian people has been acting as fighters for
survival and freedom, and no one has the right to call Artsakh an
"aggressor." Our response to this should always be sharp, confident and
convincing," President Serzh Sargsyan declared at today’s meeting of
the representatives of the central apparatus of the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs and heads of Armenian diplomatic representations abroad.

Turning to the process of peaceful settlement of the Karabakh issue,
President Sargsyan said there was nothing new in the Madrid Proposals
publicized by the Co-Chairs, but this was the first time the public
heard about the principles from official sources and saw them
summed up.

"I attach great importance to the fact that the document included
no points, on which we would not have expressed our position and
approaches.

The promulgation of the document proved that we had never lied and
misled out society," the President said.

The President instructed the Ambassadors to explain to the officials
of their host countries that the resolution of the issue is not a
matter of days, weeks or months.

"Everyone should understand that we are now negotiating some points
of the main principles of settlement. Even in the event of coming to
an agreement on those, many other principles remain open. This is a
process that requires a great work," he said.

STATEMENT BY COMMISSIONERS BENITA FERRERO-WALDNER AND OLLI REHN ON TURKEY-ARMENIA RELATIONS

armradio.am
01.09.2009 16:32

"The European Commission welcomes the agreement between Armenia
and Turkey to advance the process of normalization of relations,"
Commissioners Benita Ferrero-Waldner and Olli Rehn said in a statement
today.

"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,"
the Commissioners stated.

ALEXANDER ARZUMANYAN: THE ARMENIAN-TURKISH RELATIONS AND THE KARABAKH ISSUE ARE INTERCONNECTED
Lusine Vasilyan

"Radiolur"
01.09.2009 16:48

Representative of the Armenian National Congress, ex-Foreign Minister
Alexander Arzumanyan considers that the initiatives targeted at the
normalization of the Armenian-Turkish relations will accelerate the
process of settlement of the Karabakh issue. "The two processes are
interconnected, and ensuring the settlement of the one at the expense
of the other is unacceptable," the ex-Foreign Minister said.

Alexander Arzumanyan said the necessity of ratification of the
protocols in not understandable, either. "The ratification of protocols
on the establishment of diplomatic relations is not a common practice
in international relations," Alexander Arzumanyan noted.

"Armenia has established diplomatic relations with about 140 countries.

It has signed similar protocols with each country, neither of which
has been ratified by the Parliament. My concern is that the format
of ratification is not understandable and it provides an opportunity
to delay the moment the protocols should come into force. That means
holding the Armenian-Turkish relations as hostage, waiting for the
Karabakh issue to be settled," Alexander Arzumanyan stated.

EXPLOSION AT THE MOZDOK-TBILISI GAS PIPELINE: THE VOLUME OF GAS SUPPLY TO ARMENIA NOT REDUCED

armradio.am
01.09.2009 17:06

A section of a trunk gas pipeline in the south Russian republic of
Ingushetia exploded earlier today, but no one was injured, the Russian
Emergency Ministry said, RIA Novosti reports.

A ministry spokesman said the fire near the town of Malgobek is still
burning, and eight fire engines and 27 firefighters are working at
the scene.

The explosion has damaged a pipeline section running from Mozdok in
the Russian Republic of North Ossetia to Georgia and Armenia.

Press Secretary of the "HayRusGazard" Company Shushan Sardaryan told
"Radiolur:" that the explosion has not affected the volume of gas
supply to Armenia.

"We receive enough gas to satisfy the consumption demands in Armenia,"
Shushan Sardaryan said.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

AHMET DAVUTOGLU: TURKEY AND ARMENIA AT THE BEGINNING OF A "LONG PROCESS"

armradio.am
01.09.2009 17:17

Turkey and Armenia are at the beginning of a "long process" toward
normalizing relations, Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu
said Tuesday.

"It is a long process," Davutoglu said in an interview with Turkey’s
NTV television during a visit to northern Cyprus. "But every long
process has a beginning."

"We have lived through some bitter experiences but we have to also
remember the beautiful episodes of our joint history," he said.

Davutoglu said the rapprochement with Yerevan is part of Turkey’s
wider policy of "zero problems" with neighbors.