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The Telegraph: Turkey And Armenia Are To End Almost A Century Of Hos

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  • The Telegraph: Turkey And Armenia Are To End Almost A Century Of Hos

    THE TELEGRAPH: TURKEY AND ARMENIA ARE TO END ALMOST A CENTURY OF HOSTILITY BY OPENING DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS, A MOVE THAT WILL HELP SMOOTH THE WAY FOR ANKARA'S MEMBERSHIP OF THE EUROPEAN UNION.

    ArmInfo
    2009-09-07 14:43:00

    ArmInfo. Turkey and Armenia are to end almost a century of hostility by
    opening diplomatic relations, a move that will help smooth the way for
    Ankara's membership of the European Union. The neighbouring countries
    announced the historic thaw with a joint statement setting a six-week
    deadline to put diplomatic protocols into place for the first time
    in the history of both countries, The Telegraph wrote on September 1.

    :In a major concession by Turkey, the agreement states that both
    countries will "implement dialogue on the historical dimension with
    the aim to restore mutual confidence".

    :European officials and diplomats yesterday hailed the deal, brokered
    by Switzerland, as an important breakthrough, both for Turkey's
    troubled EU membership bid and as a sign of hope for stability in
    the turbulent South Caucasus region.

    "I commend the courage and vision of both sides to move forward
    with this historic process," said Javier Solana, the EU's foreign
    policy chief.

    "This is a crucial step towards normalisation of bilateral relations,
    which would greatly contribute to peace, security and stability
    throughout an important region of Europe."

    Olli Rehn, the European enlargement commissioner, who oversees Turkey's
    EU membership application, welcomed the deal as a step forward,.

    "The European Commission attaches high importance to a rapid and steady
    implementation of the protocols on the establishment of diplomatic
    relations," he said.

    "This agreement should contribute to peace and stability in the
    South Caucasus."

    EU officials and diplomats have emphasised the importance of Turkish
    and Armenian diplomatic relations for thawing frozen conflicts
    across the Caucasus region an area which also borders Iran, Russia
    and Georgia.

    "Turkey is showing that it is reliable international partner and a
    force for stability in one of the most dangerous conflict regions on
    Europe," said an EU diplomat.

    Last week, Turkey also pleased the EU by signalling the opening of
    new talks with its Kurdish minority, a conflict that has killed over
    40,000 people.

    The Turkish government has been discussing easing restrictions, with
    plans for an end to draconian laws that prohibit free expression of
    political beliefs and suppress Kurdish culture.
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