Frank Engel: it is not Armenia that keeps the border closedMarch 19, 2010 - 18:34 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - If Turkey is serious about normalizing formal relations - opening the border, re-establish diplomatic relations - I don't see how this process would not be significantly beneficial to both countries, and their peoples, according to Frank Engel, a member of the Europe-Armenia Advisory Council."There are encouraging signs that relations between Turks and Armenians don't have to remain strained forever. The existing transport links, the presence of a sizeable Armenian community in Turkey, for instance, tell me that ordinary Turks and Armenians essentially aspire to normal relations. However, with borders closed and no diplomatic missions, this aspiration is rather difficult to fulfill. The more extreme populist stances on both sides don't help either. Parts of the Armenian diaspora should start by recognizing this," he told a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter. Asked whether an Turkey open the border this year, Mr. Engel said, "Of course it can. This is not a matter of feasibility, but of willingness to do it. Of course, potent internal Turkish interests still oppose this move, and as I said, extremist Armenian views are not helpful at all on the other side. The question is if Turkey wants to break the deadlock through a powerful gesture. It is not Armenia that keeps the border closed." The Armenian-Turkish Protocols The Protocols aimed at normalization of bilateral ties and opening of the border between Armenia and Turkey were signed in Zurich by Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian and his Turkish counterpart Ahmet Davutoglu on October 10, 2009, after a series of diplomatic talks held through Swiss mediation. Top stories 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". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. |