Doc. 9236

26 September 2001

Turkey’s blockade of Armenia

Written Question No. 398 to the Committee of Ministers

by Mr. Hovhannisyan

Despite recognising the independence of Armenia in January 1992, Turkey has refused to establish normal inter-state relations with Armenia; in April 1993, Turkey unilaterally froze all relations with this neighbouring country and began to implement a total blockade policy against it.

That blockade continues to this day, inflicting great damage on Armenia's economy and undermining the socio-economic situation in the country.

Turkey's blockade of Armenia also has repercussions for other Council of Europe member states in the region.

Today, at a time when the issue of stability and security in Europe is of major importance, this blockade policy pursued, without grounds, by Turkey threatens regional stability and seriously hampers the development of cooperation.

Finally, that blockade by one Council of Europe member state of another runs contrary to the aims set forth in the Statute of the Council of Europe and constitutes an unacceptable act on the part of a candidate country for European Union membership.

Mr Hovhannisyan,

Asks the Committee of Ministers

to persuade the Turkish authorities to cease without delay their policy of blockading Armenia.

Signed¹ :

Hovhannisyan, Armenia, EDG

¹ EDG: European Democratic Group