On October 10th, Turkey and Armenia signed a protocol on development of bilateral relations between the Republic of Turkey and the Republic of Armenia and a protocol on establishing diplomatic relations between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey in Zurich, Switzerland. According to the protocol, Turkey and Armenia mutually “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” (Protocol on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the Republic of Turkey and The Republic of Armenia). In addition, the parties agreed to open the shared border two months after the protocol’s entry into force, to begin regular political consultations of Foreign Affairs, as well as to organize a dialogue in a historical perspective to clarify the existing problems and formulate proposals. The border between Turkey and Armenia has been closed since 1993. By the months till the signing of protocol Turkey was putting forward a number of prerequisites for the establishment of bilateral ties, in particular, Armenia’s rejection of a policy of international recognition of the Armenian Genocide and the settlement of the Karabakh conflict. Yerevan, for its part, was declaring their readiness to establish diplomatic relations with Turkey without preconditions. Talks aimed at normalizing bilateral relations between Turkey and Armenia started from 2007, again in Switzerland. This protocol, therefore, was possible only after the both sides’ compromises in terms of prerequisites.
Here is the full content of the protocol:
Protocol on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey
Desiring to establish good neighbourly 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 obligations under the Charter of the United Nations, the Helsinki Final Act, the Charter of Paris for a New Europe,Reconfirming their commitment, in their bilateral and international relations, to respect and ensure respect for the principles of 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 well as being determined to refrain from the threat of 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 relevant treaties of international law,Emphasizing their decisions to open the common border,Reiterating their commitment to refrain from pursuing any policy incompatible with the spirit of good neighbourly 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 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 accordance with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961 and to exchange Diplomatic Missions.This Protocol and the Protocol on the Development of Bilateral Relations between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey shall enter into force on the same day, i.e. on the first day of the first month following of instruments of ratification.Signed in (place) on (date) in Armenian, Turkish and English languages authentic copies in duplicate. In case of divergence of interpretation, the English text shall prevail.For the Republic of Armenia …For the Republic of Turkey …Protocol on Development of Relations between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of TurkeyThe 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 relations, based on confidence and respect to their mutual interests,Determining to develop and enhance their bilateral relations, in the political, economic, energy, transport, scientific, technical, cultural issues and other fields, based on common interest of both countries,Supporting the promotion of the cooperation between the two countries, in the international and regional organi9zations, 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 enchancimg regional stability and security for ensuring the democratic and sustainable development of the region,Reiterating their commitment to the peaceful settlement of regional and international disputes and the conflicts on the basis of the norms and principles of law,Reaffirming their readiness to actively support the actions of eth 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 the entry into force of this Protocol,2. Agree to conduct regular political consultations 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, including an impartial 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 operational 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. The timetable and elements agreed by both sides for the implementation of this Protocol are mentioned in the annexed document, which is integral part of this Protocol.This Protocol and the Protocol on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey shall enter into force on the same day, i.e. on the first day of the first month following the exchange of instruments of ratification.Signed in (place) on (date) in Armenian, Turkish and English authentic copies in duplicate. In case of divergence of interpretation, the English text shall prevail.For the Republic of ArmeniaFor the Republic of TurkeyAnnexed document: Timetable and elements for the implementation of the Protocol on development of relations between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey.Timetable and elements for the implementation of the Protocol on development of relations between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of TurkeySteps to be undertakenTiming1. to open the common border within 2 months after the entry into force of the Protocol on the development of relations between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey2. 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-commission 2 months after the day following the entry into force of the Protocol on the development of relations between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey3. to approve the working modalities of the intergovernmental commission and its sub-commissions at ministerial levelwithin 3 months after the entry into force of the Protocol on the development of relations between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey4. to organize the first meeting of the intergovernmental commissionimmediately after the adoption of the working modalities of the intergovernmental commission and its sub-commissions at ministerial level5. 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 sub-commission on environmental issues: andthe sub-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 archive 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
Desiring to establish good neighbourly 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 obligations under the Charter of the United Nations, the Helsinki Final Act, the Charter of Paris for a New Europe,Reconfirming their commitment, in their bilateral and international relations, to respect and ensure respect for the principles of 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 well as being determined to refrain from the threat of 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 relevant treaties of international law,Emphasizing their decisions to open the common border,Reiterating their commitment to refrain from pursuing any policy incompatible with the spirit of good neighbourly 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 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 accordance with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961 and to exchange Diplomatic Missions.This Protocol and the Protocol on the Development of Bilateral Relations between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey shall enter into force on the same day, i.e. on the first day of the first month following of instruments of ratification.Signed in (place) on (date) in Armenian, Turkish and English languages authentic copies in duplicate. In case of divergence of interpretation, the English text shall prevail.For the Republic of Armenia …For the Republic of Turkey …Protocol on Development of Relations between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of TurkeyThe 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 relations, based on confidence and respect to their mutual interests,Determining to develop and enhance their bilateral relations, in the political, economic, energy, transport, scientific, technical, cultural issues and other fields, based on common interest of both countries,Supporting the promotion of the cooperation between the two countries, in the international and regional organi9zations, 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 enchancimg regional stability and security for ensuring the democratic and sustainable development of the region,Reiterating their commitment to the peaceful settlement of regional and international disputes and the conflicts on the basis of the norms and principles of law,Reaffirming their readiness to actively support the actions of eth 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 the entry into force of this Protocol,2. Agree to conduct regular political consultations 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, including an impartial 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 operational 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. The timetable and elements agreed by both sides for the implementation of this Protocol are mentioned in the annexed document, which is integral part of this Protocol.This Protocol and the Protocol on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey shall enter into force on the same day, i.e. on the first day of the first month following the exchange of instruments of ratification.Signed in (place) on (date) in Armenian, Turkish and English authentic copies in duplicate. In case of divergence of interpretation, the English text shall prevail.For the Republic of ArmeniaFor the Republic of TurkeyAnnexed document: Timetable and elements for the implementation of the Protocol on development of relations between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey.Timetable and elements for the implementation of the Protocol on development of relations between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of TurkeySteps to be undertakenTiming1. to open the common border within 2 months after the entry into force of the Protocol on the development of relations between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey2. 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-commission 2 months after the day following the entry into force of the Protocol on the development of relations between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey3. to approve the working modalities of the intergovernmental commission and its sub-commissions at ministerial levelwithin 3 months after the entry into force of the Protocol on the development of relations between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey4. to organize the first meeting of the intergovernmental commissionimmediately after the adoption of the working modalities of the intergovernmental commission and its sub-commissions at ministerial level5. 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 sub-commission on environmental issues: andthe sub-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 archive 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
Above information is the part of the story which is on the protocol papers. On the other side of the story, although certain issues were resolved, there emerged certain problems demanding resolution. In the category of resolved problems, in my opinion, there are border issue which was ended in reopening, and obvious international pressure on Turkish government for keeping Armenia in blockade, which will disappear. However, for both countries, there emerged a set of problems. For Turkey, problems emerged as early as the first official information came about the possibility of Turkey’s reopening its borders with Armenia. Gul government faced strong opposition coming from the country’s leading opposition parties, MHP and CHP. Nationalist wing accuses government for “betrayal” to national interests and deep rooted relations with Azerbaijan. For instance, MHP’s leader Bahceli, in one of his speech, claimed that this protocol just meets Armenia’s “illegitimate” demands and clashes with the national interests of Turkey. In addition, a day after signing of protocol, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan Republic officially released a statement which indicates the worries of official Baku. In the statement, it is emphasized that the protocol will damage “the long standing brotherhood between Azerbaijan and Turkey”, and it will negatively affect the peace process in the region. However, “Azerbaijani foreign ministry spokesman told BBC that there was a chance that the Turkish-Armenian protocols might never be ratified by Turkey’s parliament and that he could not comment until they had” (BBC.co.uk). On the other hand, Armenian government is also experiencing harsh opposition of Dasnak Sutyun party, which was in the power during the Armenian Armed Forces occupation of Azerbaijani territory. In recent meetings the same “betrayal” expression is frequently used by the activists. However, in the statement, which was officially provided by the Foreign Ministry of Republic of Armenia a day after a protocol being signed, it is pointed out that the protocol is an indicator of Armenia’s long lasting efforts of making a peace in the region. Furthermore, Jirinovskiy, Vice-Chairman of the State Duma of Russian Federation, in a interview with Azerbaijani journalists, stated that although Russia always “helped” Armenia, “now it chooses to be a friend of Turkey because of the fact that Russia cannot afford to help Armenia. In my opinion, although it may seem a bit simple thesis, this protocol should have been signed even before. Signing a protocol today is a “carrot policy”, according to Turkish officials. In this sense, according to them, it is not efficient to urge Armenian government to withdraw its Armed Forces from occupied territory, which is actually the UN Security Council’s decision that includes “the unilateral withdrawal of occupying forces from the Zangelan district and thecity of Goradiz, and the withdrawal of occupying forces from other recently occupied areas of the Azerbaijani Republic (UN Security Council, 1993). For this reason, among Turkish officials there are still continuing confusion as “maybe there should have been used a “stick policy””. However, some officials considering the opening border between two countries, think that Turkey would be more effective in peace process in the region, and stick policy, in this concept, would still exist in the form of Turkey’s possible threat of closing the border. Nevertheless, I consider this protocol as a very important step to the normalization of relations between Turkey and Armenia and it will help Armenian economy which is in the slump due to the blockade situation…will be continued in episode #2
Jamil Islamov