Turkey, Armenia to sign diplomatic deal: official

[maddezmom]

Source: AFP

ANKARA (AFP) – A landmark deal to establish ties between long-time foes Turkey and Armenia is to be signed on October 10 in Zurich, Switzerland, a Turkish official told AFP Sunday.

"The signing is planned to take place on October 10 in Zurich," the official said on condition of anonymity.

Foreign ministers Ahmet Davutoglu of Turkey and Eduard Nalbandian of Armenia are to ink two protocols, the official said.

Swiss Foreign Minister Micheline Calmy-Rey, whose country acted as a mediator in reconciliation talks, is also likely to attend the ceremony, he said.



Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090927/wl_afp/turkeyarmeniadiplomacy

[Wilms]

1. This snip probably says the most.

Both governments will submit the documents to their respective parliaments for ratification and the deal has come under fire from opposition groups in both countries, which accuse their governments of making concessions.

[bdamomma]

2. I wonder if Turkey is willing to acknowledge the Armenian genocide?

[alfredo]

3. Don't hold your breath

[DavidDvorkin]

4. I assume this is intended to placate the EU

and improve the chances for Turkey's admission.

[bemildred]

5. US pushes successful end to difficult Turkey-Armenia talks

NEW YORK — US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton pushed Monday for the successful conclusion of a process to normalize long-tense ties between Armenia and Turkey despite political hurdles in both countries.

Turkish officials said foreign ministers Ahmet Davutoglu of Turkey and Eduard Nalbandian of Armenia will meet in Switzerland on October 10 to ink two protocols, but US officials acknowledged work still needs to be done.

Clinton, who held talks with both foreign ministers on Monday, hailed their two countries' strong commitment to normalize ties and end decades of animosity over a World War I massacre.

The United States and the European Union, which Turkey is seeking to join, have both repeatedly urged Ankara to reconcile with Yerevan.

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