The normalization of Armenian-Turkish ties is a very important issue in terms of enhancing the current atmosphere of instability and isolation, according to Dessislava Roussanova, International Alert’s Project Director for Eurasian Affairs.
As she told a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter, the process is unlikely to be smooth given the existing fears and unresolved problems in the region. “Most of the borders are closed, and there are mounting tendencies of aggression… Normalization of all kinds of relations is a lengthy and complicated process, with Armenian-Turkish rapprochement being part of it. But it is necessary to resolve unsettled issues in South Caucasus; that’s first of all important for the region. Although it is impossible to achieve normalization of Armenian-Turkish ties within a day, we do observe positive tendencies,” the expert said.
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.
On January 12, 2010, the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Armenia found the protocols conformable to the country’s Organic Law.
International Alert is an independent peace-building organization that works to lay the foundations for lasting peace and security in communities affected by violent conflict. It operates in over 20 countries and territories around the world, both directly with people affected by violent conflict as well as at government, EU and UN levels to shape both policy and practice in building sustainable peace.
