Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 201: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his position in relation to an incident (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47932/09]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Relations between Armenia and Turkey have long been overshadowed by the events which resulted in the tragic deaths of very large numbers of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire more than ninety years ago. Both sides hold sharply different historical interpretations of these events. More recently, there have been signs of an improvement in this difficult relationship. I welcome the signature by Armenia and Turkey of protocols on 10 October 2009 in which they agreed to establish diplomatic relations and re-open their common border. The protocols must now be ratified in each country, a process that may not be easy given the long history of ill feeling between both countries.

However, the agreement reached on the protocols has the potential to not only enhance relations between the two countries, but also peace and stability in the wider region. Hopefully, as their relationship moves forward and develops, Armenia and Turkey will also be able to come to terms with their shared past. I understand that, as part of the agreement, it is intended to establish a sub-commission on historical issues. The Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister visited Dublin on 3 November 2009 and met with Minister of State Roche and officials from my Department. During her visit the Deputy Minister briefed on the Armenia-Turkey protocols. There was also an exchange of views on Ireland's experience of conflict resolution in relation to Northern Ireland.