Armenia welcomes the December 15 vote of the European Parliament which calls on the European Commission and the European Union Council to demand that Turkey recognizes the historical reality of the Armenian Genocide, and opens the border with Armenia without delay. As expected, the decision of the European Council to begin accession talks in 2005 has been announced. Armenia hopes that the recommendations of the European Parliament will be made part of the EU ­ Turkey agenda.

We have frequently stated that Turkey?s membership in the European Union can be beneficial to Armenia and can have a positive impact on the region, if Turkey meets all criteria. In this regard, Armenia has asked the EU countries to take into consideration the fact that Turkey continues to unilaterally keep the Armenian border closed, to criminalize the use of the term genocide, and to place unacceptable pre-conditions before beginning the process of normalizing relations with Armenia.

The decision of the European Parliament demonstrates that the European community understands and shares Armenia?s concerns regarding the present unacceptable state of Armenian-Turkish relations. This situation, with all implied uncertainties, is a serious threat to the development of the South Caucasus, as well as to European prospects.

We are convinced that if Turkey responds to the appeals of the European community, then it will be much easier to overcome all obstacles and secure stability and prosperity for our region. That would also be a strong signal that Turkey is ready to enter the European Union with a clean slate.