Turkish-Armenian Normalisation and the Karabakh Conflict

Authors : Cory WELT

Pages : 207-221

View : 21 | Download : 14

Publication Date : 2013-05-01

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Over three years after the signing of protocols on opening diplomatic relations and land borders, the prospects for Turkish-Armenian normalisation in the absence of progress on the Karabakh conflict are slim. But there is also little sign of a breakthrough in the Karabakh conflict-resolution process. Given these impasses, this article proposes an alternative way forward: an unconditional opening of Turkish-Armenian diplomatic relations followed by a retooling of the Basic Principles. This retooling would accept a linkage between the border opening and the withdrawal of Armenian forces from territory outside Nagorno-Karabakh. It would also reduce ambiguities in the Basic Principles that have stalled the peace process to date. The article first analyses the failure of the TurkishArmenian protocols, then justifies a change in policy, and finally, proposes a retooled set of interim principles and focuses on intermediate steps that would help normalise ArmenianAzerbaijani relations while deferring the final settlement of Nagorno-Karabakh’s political status for a later time
Keywords : Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, NagornoKarabakh, Minsk Group, Turkey Armenia normalisation, conflict resolution