[QODLink]
Riz Khan
Turkish and Armenian relations
Could this be the new beginning for the two countries?
Last Modified: 13 Oct 2009 12:33 GMT



Watch part two

After nearly a century of bitter feuds, Turkey and Armenia have signed an agreement to normalise their official relations. 

But will the treaty hold up in the face of significant opposition from citizens of both countries?

Following a last-minute delay over the wording of the official announcement.

Foreign ministers from Armenia and Turkey finally endorsed the protocol at a ceremony in Zürich on Saturday, also attended by chief diplomats from the US, Russia, France and the European Union. 

However, the treaty must still be ratified by parliaments in both countries before any of the provisions in the agreement can come into effect - and there is still strong resistance to the idea of improved ties by many Turks and Armenians around the world, as well as many people in neighbouring Azerbaijan.

Can this agreement overcome decades of enmity and change the shape of future relationships in the region, or is it too much to expect with so many mutual problems unresolved? 

Joining the show to discuss the situation is Armen Sarkissian, the former Armenian prime minister, and Ibrahim Kalin, the senior government adviser. Anand Naidoo is sitting in for Riz Khan.

The Riz Khan show aired from Monday, October 12, 2009.
Source:
Al Jazeera
Featured on Al Jazeera
More and more people in the US are living in poverty - yet Mitt Romney's policies would further shred the safety net.
As the anniversary of the uprising nears, the country's rulers are denying foreigners entry and hiring PR firms.
Under Obama, six whistleblowers have been charged under the World War I-era Espionage Act.
Journalist who recently spent time with fighters says there is no central leadership to the armed resistance.
<  > 
join our mailing list

Enter Zip Code
Go