Armenia and Turkey could reopen the border without ratification of protocols

Armenia and Turkey could reopen their borders without the protocols being ratified beforehand, analyst on Turkish issues Ruben Melkonian has stated. Unconfirmed reports state that during the recent meeting in Washington between the Turkish PM and Armenia’s President this issue was on the agenda for discussion.

Melkonian brings different arguments to support his position on the possible opening of the borders and establishing of diplomatic relations. However there could be certain difficulties if this step is taken without the ratification of the protocols. For example, someone has to decide what kind of entry regime should be introduced at the border, whether it will be open permanently or only once in a while for diplomats. It is also possible that Armenia could withdraw its signature from the Zurich protocols and bilateral relations could deteriorate once again.