EU backs approval Turkey-Armenia deal within two months
The European Union
special envoy to South Caucasus has said that if the recent
Turkey-Armenia agreement on mending ties is ratified within the
next two months, this will positively affect both countries’
relations with the EU.
Peter Semneby told Radio Liberty that Turkey has yet to take a number of steps to be admitted to the 27-member bloc, but normalizing its ties with Armenia will definitely facilitate its accession.
After decades of hostility, Turkey, Azerbaijan’s ally, and Armenia, with whom Azerbaijan faces a long-standing conflict over Upper (Nagorno) Garabagh, signed protocols to establish diplomatic relations and reopen their borders in Zurich on October 10. However, the documents require ratification in both countries’ parliaments.
Turkey closed its border with Armenia in 1993 due to Armenian occupation of a part of Azerbaijan’s territory and claims on the World War I-era "genocide." Turkish officials have pledged that the border will not open until the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict has been fairly settled and ruled out approval of the protocols inked with Armenia in the Grand National Assembly before progress is made in the conflict resolution.
Semneby believes there is no direct link between Garabagh settlement and the process of normalizing Turkish-Armenian relations. He noted that enforcing the agreement will help to foster an environment of confidence between the regional states.
The EU envoy added that Turkey and Armenia had accomplished more than was being anticipated, voicing an expectation that the protocols, reflecting the interests of both countries, would be ratified soon.*
Peter Semneby told Radio Liberty that Turkey has yet to take a number of steps to be admitted to the 27-member bloc, but normalizing its ties with Armenia will definitely facilitate its accession.
After decades of hostility, Turkey, Azerbaijan’s ally, and Armenia, with whom Azerbaijan faces a long-standing conflict over Upper (Nagorno) Garabagh, signed protocols to establish diplomatic relations and reopen their borders in Zurich on October 10. However, the documents require ratification in both countries’ parliaments.
Turkey closed its border with Armenia in 1993 due to Armenian occupation of a part of Azerbaijan’s territory and claims on the World War I-era "genocide." Turkish officials have pledged that the border will not open until the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict has been fairly settled and ruled out approval of the protocols inked with Armenia in the Grand National Assembly before progress is made in the conflict resolution.
Semneby believes there is no direct link between Garabagh settlement and the process of normalizing Turkish-Armenian relations. He noted that enforcing the agreement will help to foster an environment of confidence between the regional states.
The EU envoy added that Turkey and Armenia had accomplished more than was being anticipated, voicing an expectation that the protocols, reflecting the interests of both countries, would be ratified soon.*
Here we are to serve you with news right now. It does not cost much, but worth your attention.
Choose to support open, independent, quality journalism and subscribe on a monthly basis.
By subscribing to our online newspaper, you can have full digital access to all news, analysis, and much more.
Subscribe
You can also follow AzerNEWS on Twitter @AzerNewsAz or Facebook @AzerNewsNewspaper
Thank you!