Opening of Aremnian-Turkish border not far off?

PanARMENIAN.Net - And if Turkish media sources write much about Armenia and the possible normalization of relations quoting opinions of various experts, Yerevan rarely says anything in this regard. It is understandable that diplomatic talks should always be held confidentially especially in such a delicate situation, but not to that extent. As western experts and analysts often notice, Armenian diplomacy still follows the «soviet» regime when the ideal of a diplomat was the USSR Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrei Gromiko, who was nicknamed «Mister No» for his refusal to answer a single question.

The issue of opening the Armenian-Turkish border is day by day becoming more topical and nearly all serious western editions dwell on it. "Turkey and Armenia could announce a deal aimed at reopening their border and restoring relations already on April 16. Official representatives of both parties do not yet comment on the information. But the timing of the deal is being choreographed with the schedule of U.S. President Barack Obama, who visits Turkey next week," the Wall Street Journal reported quoting diplomatic sources in Brussels.

According to the diplomats, the Turkish and Armenian governments have agreed on terms to open formal talks in three areas: opening and fixing borders, restoring diplomatic relations and setting up commissions to look at disputes, including one that is of utmost importance for bilateral relations, but which the journal's sources refused to name because of its delicacy.

Next week US President Barack Obama is to visit Ankara. Then U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Matthew J. Bryza, the State Department's point man in the Caucasus is to be in Turkey too. As the Wall Street Journal reports, the agreement would defuse the situation in the Caucasus and would promote regulation of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. It could also imply strengthening of Turkey's influence in the region.

If everything goes according to the plan, on April 16 Yerevan will host Turkish FM Ali Babacan. Formal occasion for the visit is summit of CSTO FMA leaders. Of course, the protocol of establishing diplomatic relation will hardly be signed exactly on April 16; in all probability, the signing will take plece after April 24, the day of commemorating the victims of the Armenian Genocide. Most likely, the protocol will be signed in May, when Turkey celebrates the beginning of the war for independence, or, to be more exact, the last ethnic cleansing - this time against the Greeks.

Anyway, the situation is rather odd: Greece and Turkey share a number of problems, the most important of which is Cyprus. Nevertheless, the diplomatic relations are retained and the borders are open. Armenia and Turkey share no common problem - the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is in no way related to Turkey. And the fact that Ankara finally decided to rid itself from the «dependence» on Baku is pleasant. However, in this case Azerbaijan appears in isolation - Georgia is not counted as an ally. And no matter how harshly Azerbaijan threatens with «cutting off the gas» in case of opening the border, it's all flippant. To be more exact, it is meant for the nation that with the wave of Ilham Aliyev's hand is ready to start a campaign against anyone…

However, be that as it may, opening of the Armenian-Turkish border is the business of Armenia and Turkey, and never that of the USA, Russia or Azerbaijan. According to Caucasus Institute Director, politologist Alexander Iskandaryan, opening of Aremnian-Turkish border is not far off. "Closed border is an absurd-sounding term to be used in the 21st century. Armenia's gains from opening the border are obvious. We'll have a direct railway link with Europe that will facilitate freight transportation and reduce its costs. It will provide us with the outlet to the sea and Eastern provinces of Turkey (Western Armenia). Armenian investments could help increase prosperity in those regions. Turkey would benefit from opening of the border for the same reasons as Armenia," Iskandaryan noted. It's difficult to add anything, but what is most important - the issue of recognition or non-recognition of the Armenian Genocide by the US does not count in this particular case.

And lastly, the major event of the day was the beginning of Armenian-language radio broadcasting on radiostation "The Voice of Turkey". The programs are obviously meant for Armenia and will aim at conceiving the Armenians of «good intentions and friendship» of the Turkish nation towards Armenia. However, it's almost impractical to believe it - too bitter was the experience of Armenians living with Ottoman Turks.