“Support for Armenia-Turkey Peace Process” Program Presented

YEREVAN — “Support for Armenia-Turkey Peace Process” program funded by EU “Instrument for Stability” (IfS) tool was presented in Yerevan today.

The consortium comprised of eight Armenian and Turkish NGOs carries out the program.

“Civilitas” Foundation, “Eurasia” Partnership Foundation, Regional Studies Center and Public Journalism Club take part from Armenia.

The Program aims to promote civil society efforts towards the normalization of relations between Turkey and Armenia and towards an open border by enhancing people-to-people contacts, expanding economic and business links, promoting cultural and educational activities and facilitating access to balanced information in both societies.

“We are deeply convinced that the dialogue between Armenian and Turkish societies is an important strategic step for the regulation of relations and final reconciliation”, said Head of EU Delegation to Armenia, Ambassador Traian Hristea.

The new program with a total funding of 2 mln euros, aims to organize discussions, educational programs for the youth, reciprocal visits of architects, artists and businessmen.

One of the main pillars of the Program is inclusiveness – to engage and support new actors in the dialogue process. To this end, the Consortium created a Grant Scheme to invite individuals and civil society organizations from Armenia and Turkey to propose and implement their own project ideas, which will contribute to the overall objective of the Programme and multiply the shared outcomes.

“The possible progress in relations with Armenia will provide Turkey a chance to reach a success in especially the changing security environment which is accounted by the instability in the Middle East and Ukraine”, said Director at Regional Studies Center (RSC) Richard Giragosian.