The Zurich Protocols represent a failed attempt to normalize Armenian-Turkish relations, including opening a border closed since 1993.
Key Facts
- Date signed
- 10 October 2009
- Border closed since
- 1993
- Armenian recall date
- February 2015
- Formally voided
- 1 March 2018
- Brokers
- United States, Russia, and France
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Armenia and Turkey had no formal diplomatic relations, with the Turkish-Armenian border closed since 1993. Longstanding disputes, including the Armenian genocide issue and Turkey's alignment with Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh, prevented normalization. International pressure from the US, Russia, and France created an opening for a negotiated framework.
On 10 October 2009, Armenian Foreign Minister Eduard Nalbandyan and Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu signed two protocols in Zurich, witnessed by senior diplomats from the US, EU, France, and Russia. The protocols envisioned establishing diplomatic relations, reopening the border, and creating a joint historical commission on the Armenian genocide.
Neither parliament ratified the protocols. Turkey linked progress to Armenian withdrawal from Nagorno-Karabakh, while Azerbaijan pressured Turkey against rapprochement. Armenia's Constitutional Court imposed conditions Turkey rejected. Armenia recalled the protocols in February 2015 and formally declared them void on 1 March 2018, leaving bilateral relations unresolved.
Political Outcome
Protocols signed but never ratified; declared void by Armenia on 1 March 2018