There is little chance that Armenia-Turkey Protocols will be ratified by the countries’ parliaments soon, reads the article by Sabine Freizer — Crisis Group’s Europe Program Director in Global Post.

She notes that RA President Serzh Sargsyan is also pressurized on the issue. “Even though a quick ratification in Armenia would firmly put the ball in Turkey’s court and give Yerevan credit internationally, domestic opposition is strong,” she says. The expert offers both sides to put aside disputable provisions in the Protocols and focus on less problematic issues. In particular, she recommends to start with establishment of diplomatic ties and recognition of mutual borders (the latter is the most disputable point-edit.). Freizer recalls that there are hundreds of unresolved issues between the sides, for instance 40 000 Armenians residing in Turkey, tourists who visit “the Turkish Riviera” as well as “Turkish truck drivers and small businesses operating in Armenia.”

“Even in the current difficult diplomatic climate, the leaders of Turkey and Armenia can and should take these initial steps to ensure their people can build up a prosperous future and help them come to terms with their shared traumatic history,” the author concludes.