The European Liberal Democrat and Reform Party, convening in Barcelona, Catalonia on 19th and 20th November 2009:

Turkey and Armenia have announced their intention to establish diplomatic relations, open the border and launch a series of talks and confidence-building measures aimed at resolving long-standing disputes.

ELDR notes that these new accords, reached with the help of Swiss mediation, could transform regional stability in the Black Sea region and that they are also very good news for European interests.

An open border will contribute to the economic development of Armenia and rebalance the country’s position between East and West. Improved relations can have an important symbolic effect. For Turkey a genuine opening to Armenia will reinforce the country’s new approach to foreign policy, reminding Europeans that Turkey is a provider rather than a consumer of security in Europe’s neighbourhood.

Calls on:

-         Its member parties to promote and support any action that could achieve better relations between both parties at this crucial political juncture.