UNOFFICIAL TRANSLATION of the PROTOCOL

FULL TEXT OF THE PROTOCOLS SIGNED BY TURKEY AND ARMENIA

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S E P T E M B E R 0 1 , 2 0 0 9
31 August 2009 | Ankara, Yerevan, Berne
Press Release of The Ministries of Foreign Affairs of The Republic of Turkey, The Republic of Armenia and The Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs

UNOFFICIAL TRANSLATION of the PROTOCOL
Ankara, Yerevan, Berne 31 August 2009
The Republic of Turkey and the Republic of Armenia have agreed to start their internal
political consultations on the two protocols – the “Protocol on the establishment of
diplomatic relations” and the “Protocol on the development of bilateral relations” – which
have been initialled in the course of their efforts under Swiss mediation.
The two Protocols provide for a framework for the normalization of the bilateral relations
within a reasonable timeframe. 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. Both sides will make their best efforts for the
timely progression of the ratification in line with their constitutional and legal procedures.
The normalization of the bilateral relations will contribute to regional peace and stability.
The Republic of Turkey and the Republic of Armenia are committed to pursuing their joint
efforts with the assistance of Switzerland.
FULL TEXT OF THE PROTOCOLS SIGNED BY TURKEY AND ARMENIA
Tuesday, 01 September 2009
Protocol on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the Republic of Armenia and
the Republic of Turkey.
The Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey.
Desiring to establish good neighbourly relations and to develop bilateral cooperation in the
political, economic, cultural and other fields for the benefit of their peoples, as envisaged in
the Protocol on the development of relations signed on the same day.
Referring to their obligations under the Charter of the United Nations, the Helsinki Final Act,
the Charter of Paris for a New Europe,
Reconfirming their commitment, in their bilateral and international relations, to respect and
ensure respect for the principles of equality, sovereignty, non-intervention in internal affairs
of other states, territorial integrity and inviolability of frontiers,
Bearing in mind the importance of the creation and maintenance of an atmosphere of trust
and confidence between the two countries that will contribute to the strengthening of peace,
security and stability of the whole region, as well as being determined to refrain from the
threat of the use of force, to promote the peaceful settlement of disputes, and to protect
human rights and fundamental freedoms,
Confirming the mutual recognition of the existing border between the two countries as
defined relevant treaties of international law,
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Emphasizing their decisions to open the common border,
Reiterating their commitment to refrain from pursuing any policy incompatible with the spirit
of good neighbourly relations,
Condemning all forms of terrorism, violence and extremism irrespective of their cause,
pledging to refrain from encouraging and tolerating such acts and to cooperate against
them,
Affirming their willingness to chart a new pattern and course for their relations on the basis
of common interests, goodwill and in pursuit of peace, mutual understanding and harmony,
Agree to establish diplomatic relations as of the date of the entry into force of this Protocol
accordance with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961 and to exchange
Diplomatic Missions.
This Protocol and the Protocol on the Development of Bilateral Relations between the
Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey shall enter into force on the same day, i.e.
on the first day of the first month following of instruments of ratification.
Signed in (place) on (date) in Armenian, Turkish and English languages authentic copies in
duplicate. In case of divergence of interpretation, the English text shall prevail.
For the Republic of Armenia
For the Republic of Turkey
Protocol on Development of Relations between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of
Turkey.
The Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey.
Guided by the Protocol on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the Republic
of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey signed on the same day,
Considering the perspectives of developing their bilateral relations, based on confidence and
respect to their mutual interests,
Determining to develop and enhance their bilateral relations, in the political, economic,
energy, transport, scientific, technical, cultural issues and other fields, based on common
interest of both countries,
Supporting the promotion of the cooperation between the two countries, in the international
and regional organi9zations, especially within the framework of the UN, the OSCE, the
Council of Europe, the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council and the BSEC,
Taking into account the common purpose of both States to cooperate for enchancimg
regional stability and security for ensuring the democratic and sustainable development of
the region,
Reiterating their commitment to the peaceful settlement of regional and international
disputes and the conflicts on the basis of the norms and principles of law,
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Reaffirming their readiness to actively support the actions of eth international community in
addressing common security threats to the region and world security and stability, such as
terrorism, transnational organized crimes, illicit trafficking of drugs and arms,
1. Agree to open the common border within 2 months after the entry into force of this
Protocol,
2. Agree to conduct regular political consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs
of the two countries;
implement a dialogue on the historical dimension with the aim to restore mutual confidence
between the two nations, including an impartial scientific examination of the historical
records and archives to define existing problems and formulate recommendations;
make the best possible use of existing transport, communications and energy infrastructure
and networks between the two countries, and to undertake measures in this regard;
develop the bilateral legal framework in order to foster cooperation between the two
countries;
cooperate in the fields of science and education by encouraging relations between the
appropriate institutions as well as promoting the exchange of specialists and students, and
act with the aim of preserving the cultural heritage of both sides and launching common
cultural projects;
establish consular cooperation in accordance with the Vienna Convention on Consular
Relations of 1963 in order to provide necessary assistance and protection to the citizens of
the two countries;
take concrete measures in order to develop trade, tourism and economic cooperation
between the two countries;
engage in a dialogue and reinforce their cooperation on environmental issues.
3. Agree on the establishment of an intergovernmental bilateral commission which shall
comprise separate sub-commissions for the prompt implementation of the commitments
mentioned in operational paragraph 2 above in this Protocol. To prepare the working
modalities of the intergovernmental commission and its sub-commissions, a working group
headed by the two Ministers of Foreign Affairs shall be created 2 months after the day
following the entry into force of this Protocol. Within 3 months after the entry into force of
this Protocol, these modalities shall be approved at ministerial level. The intergovernmental
commission shall meet for the first time immediately after the adoption of the said
modalities. The sub-commissions shall start their work at the latest 1 month thereafter and
they shall work continuously until the completion of their mandates. The timetable and
elements agreed by both sides for the implementation of this Protocol are mentioned in the
annexed document, which is integral part of this Protocol.
This Protocol and the Protocol on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the
Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey shall enter into force on the same day, i.e.
on the first day of the first month following the exchange of instruments of ratification.
Signed in (place) on (date) in Armenian, Turkish and English authentic copies in duplicate.
In case of divergence of interpretation, the English text shall prevail.
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For the Republic of Armenia
For the Republic of Turkey
Annexed document: Timetable and elements for the implementation of the Protocol on
development of relations between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey.
Timetable and elements for the implementation of the Protocol on development of relations
between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey
Steps to be undertaken
Timing
1. to open the common border within 2 months after the entry into force of the Protocol on
the development of relations between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey
2. to establish a working group headed by the two Ministers of Foreign Affairs to prepare the
working modalities of the intergovernmental commission and its sub-commission 2 months
after the day following the entry into force of the Protocol on the development of relations
between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey
3. to approve the working modalities of the intergovernmental commission and its subcommissions
at ministerial level
within 3 months after the entry into force of the Protocol on the development of relations
between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey
4. to organize the first meeting of the intergovernmental commission
immediately after the adoption of the working modalities of the intergovernmental
commission and its sub-commissions at ministerial level
5. to operate the following sub-commissions:
the sub-commission on political consultations;
the sub-commission on transport, communications and energy infrastructure and networks;
the sub-commission on legal matters;
the sub-commission on science and education;
the sub-commission on trade, tourism and economic cooperation;
the sub-commission on environmental issues: and
the sub-commission on the historical dimension to implement a dialogue with the aim to
restore mutual confidence between the two nations, including an impartial scientific
examination of the historical records and archive to define existing problems and formulate
recommendations, in which Armenian, Turkish as well as Swiss and other international
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experts shall take part. at the latest 1 month after the first meeting of the
intergovernmental commission