Armenia-Turkey border closure has been illegalApril 4, 2009 - 15:40 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - U.S., Turkish, and Armenian diplomats have been spreading word that an agreement between Turkey and Armenia is imminent. The agreement would likely have the following elements:Turkey would agree to open the border with Armenia, which it closed 16 years ago today, and to establish diplomatic relations with Armenia. Armenia would agree to an intergovernmental commission to examine all issues that constitute the Armenia-Turkey agenda. The United States would refrain from dealing publicly with any of the most contentious historical and contemporary issues on the Armenia-Turkey agenda while the commission was in play. If Turkey actually opens the border and agrees to establish diplomatic relations, it would be taking steps in the right direction. The border closure has been illegal. Both Armenia and Turkey's eastern provinces will see some benefits from open borders. And Turkey will gain some credibility as a regional leader. Furthermore, if Turkey actually opens the border, it will signal that it no longer allows Azerbaijan-Armenia relations to determine the nature of Turkey-Armenia relations. Such a change would be a welcome step toward regional stability and integration. Armenia's challenge is to secure normal relations with Turkey while refusing to fudge on the truth and ongoing relevance of the Armenian Genocide. Turkey's challenge is that it needs to go beyond its annual pre-April 24 charm offensive and actually do something with Armenia, The Armenian Reporter informs. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Ucom Celebrates Telecommunication Day May 17 commemorates the founding of the International Telecommunication Union on May 17, 1865. Armenian, Azerbaijani heads of parliament meet in Switzerland President of the Armenian parliament Alen Simonyan met with the Speaker of the Azerbaijani Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova. Border residents overnight on highway to protest Armenia’s Residents of Kirants continue to express outrage over the government’s decision to cede land to Azerbaijan. Get Started: An educational platform for young startuppers The Get Started program which operates in two phases is an important platform for young startuppers. |