Armenia, Turkey move toward diplomatic ties

ARMENIA: Armenia and Turkey moved closer to establishing diplomatic ties and reopening their border on Monday, saying they would sign accords within six weeks under a plan to end a century of hostility.

The neighbors have no diplomatic ties, a closed border and a history of animosity stemming from the mass killing of Armenians by Ottoman Turks during World War One.

Both sides said they would hold domestic consultations before signing two protocols on the establishment of diplomatic relations and development of bilateral relations.

"The political consultations will be completed within six weeks, following which the two Protocols will be signed and submitted to the respective Parliaments for the ratification on each side," the foreign ministries of Armenia and Turkey said in a statement issued jointly with Switzerland as mediator.

"Both sides will make their best efforts for the timely progression of the ratification in line with their constitutional and legal procedures."

Turkey rejects Armenian claims the World War One killings, a defining element of Armenian national identity, amounted to genocide, and says many people were killed on both sides of the conflict.

According to copies of the protocols seen by Reuters, the border - closed by Turkey in 1993 - will reopen within two months of the protocol on the development of relations entering into force.

The plan to normalize ties was announced in April, but Monday's statement marked the first real progress.

The U.S. State Department welcomed the joint statement, saying normalization should take place without preconditions and within a reasonable timeframe.

"We urge Armenia and Turkey to proceed expeditiously," State Department spokesman Ian Kelly said in a statement. "We remain ready to work closely with both governments in support of normalization, a historic process that will contribute to peace, security and stability throughout the region."

Anticipation has been growing ahead of a planned visit by Armenian President Serzh Sarksyan to Turkey on Oct. 14, when he is due to attend the return leg of a World Cup qualifying football match between the two countries.

Yerevan, Tuesday, Reuters