Back door talks follow football diplomacy

[Sari Galin]

Diplomatic sources said Armenia now moves closer to giving a green light for a joint committee of historians to study the events of 1915. This is a long-standing Turkish proposal was categorically rejected by the former Armenian President Robert Kocharian. Considering the need to establish a mechanism for verification of documents in archives, together with choosing the members, preparations are expected to take at least one year which gives Turkey time on international platforms. Participation of experts from third countries and a representative from an international institution are also under discussion. Official announcement for the establishment of a committee would ease Turkey's position, culminating in alleged genocide resolutions in many countries, said a senior Turkish official, who wished to remain unnamed, referring to initiatives in countries like the U.S., Canada, France and Argentina.