Armenia-Turkey border closure has been illegal

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.