Armenia, Turkey Prepare to Open Border

After 16 years of severed ties, Armenia and Turkey appear to be on the cusp of re-opening their border and re-establishing diplomatic relations.

Late on August 31, Turkey, Armenia and mediator Switzerland released a protocol on "The Establishment of Diplomatic Relations" that acts as a guideline for Ankara and Yerevan to sign an agreement on diplomatic recognition. But before pen meets paper, the two countries must hold internal consultations, according to their respective foreign ministries. The process is expected to take up to six months. Once signed, the document will then be subject to legislative approval.

According to a copy of the protocol posted on the Armenian foreign affairs ministry website, the two countries promise to open their border within two months of the protocol entering into force.

The document's bland language glosses over the most contentious issues between the uneasy neighbors: Turkish recognition of the 1915 Ottoman Turk slaughter of ethnic Armenians as genocide and disagreement over the disputed territory of Nagorno Karabakh.

The protocol, however, compels both sides to "implement a discussion on the historical dimension" and to undertake "an impartial scientific examination of the historical records and archives to define existing problems and formulate recommendations."

The document also obliges Ankara and Yerevan to set up an intergovernmental sub-commissions to advance cooperation on political, energy, environmental and education issues. A separate sub-commission will advise on "the historical dimension" with the participation of "Swiss and other international experts."