Armenia to be represented at inauguration of new Turkish President.

Armenia has been invited to attend the inauguration of Recip Tayip Erdogan as the new President of Turkey, that will take place in Ankara on Thursday, 28 August, and is likely to be represented by the Foreign Minister, Edward Nalbandian. This was announced by Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan on Monday.

Erdogan, who has been Prime Minister of Turkey for more than a decade will be sworn in in the presence of the members of the Turkish Parliament and delegations from many countries, including many headed by Presidents and Prime Ministers.

Armenia and Turkey do not presently have diplomatic relations between them, and efforts to normalise relations have been complicated by the ongoing conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh, and Armenian demands that Turkey recognise the atrocities committed in Anatolia at the begining of the 20th century as genocide. Armenia will mark the Anatolia massacres in April of next year.

The news of the invitation to an Armenian delegation for the inauguration, and of its acceptance by the Armenian side has been welcomed in the international community. Although there are no formal negotiations between the two sides at the moment it is known that diplomatic channels of communications, some facilitated by third parties, exist. The Presidential inauguration will offer another opportunity for the sides to exchange views.

No major changes are expected in Turkish foreign policy in the immediate future. However Erdogan is known to be much more outspoken in his statements about many issues, including support for the Palestinian people, and for the position of Azerbaijan over the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

source: commonspace.eu

image: Armenia Foreign Minister Nalbandian.

Related articles

Editor's choice
News
Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell underlined that the European Union will make every effort to support the peace process and to remain a committed partner to the Afghan people. "Of course, we will have to take into account the evolving situation, but disengagement is not an option.  We are clear on that: there is no alternative to a negotiated political settlement, through inclusive peace talks.
Editor's choice
News
China dabbles in Horn of Africa but its ability to bring peace to the region is minimal

China dabbles in Horn of Africa but its ability to bring peace to the region is minimal

Beijing’s special envoy for the Horn of Africa, Xue Bing, told a regional conference attended by eight governments from the region that ‘all parties should engage in dialogue’ to achieve common prosperity. In the meeting China reaffirmed its support for peaceful development in the Horn of Africa, saying it would “actively engage” in regional initiatives to promote the concept. But analysts and observers are very skeptical. Whilst China might dabble with the region and its many problems, it ability to impact the situation, and particularly contribute to resolving the conflicts that plague the region is minimal. In his speech at the Kampala Conference, Xue said Beijing would offer military assistance and training, as well as helping to develop the region’s infrastructure and boosting trade. “The world today faces overlapping risks and challenges that threaten peace and development in the Horn of Africa, and all parties should engage in dialogue and cooperation to maintain universal security and achieve common prosperity,” Xue told the event, according to the Chinese foreign ministry. Xue outlined further areas of cooperation, including counterterrorism and landmine eradication, while stressing China’s support for “African-led solutions” through platforms such as the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development.

Popular

Editor's choice
News
China dabbles in Horn of Africa but its ability to bring peace to the region is minimal

China dabbles in Horn of Africa but its ability to bring peace to the region is minimal

Beijing’s special envoy for the Horn of Africa, Xue Bing, told a regional conference attended by eight governments from the region that ‘all parties should engage in dialogue’ to achieve common prosperity. In the meeting China reaffirmed its support for peaceful development in the Horn of Africa, saying it would “actively engage” in regional initiatives to promote the concept. But analysts and observers are very skeptical. Whilst China might dabble with the region and its many problems, it ability to impact the situation, and particularly contribute to resolving the conflicts that plague the region is minimal. In his speech at the Kampala Conference, Xue said Beijing would offer military assistance and training, as well as helping to develop the region’s infrastructure and boosting trade. “The world today faces overlapping risks and challenges that threaten peace and development in the Horn of Africa, and all parties should engage in dialogue and cooperation to maintain universal security and achieve common prosperity,” Xue told the event, according to the Chinese foreign ministry. Xue outlined further areas of cooperation, including counterterrorism and landmine eradication, while stressing China’s support for “African-led solutions” through platforms such as the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development.