The bilateral relations between the governments of Armenia and Turkey seem once more to be deadlocked. The hope which arose during the last attempt to come to an agreement on the opening of the border and hereby the diplomatic recognition once more led to a dissappointment with the final annullment of the protocols by the Armenian government. On the other hand, since some years the societies in Armenia and Turkey attempt to establish links and get into a dialogue to increase mutual understanding and finally overcome the barriers that not only exist between both states but also its societies. Attempts to increase the co-operation on the cultural, scientifical and civil area are promising in so far as they could contribute to foster the future rapprochement on the state level. Further, even if the two governments once succeed in establishing smooth bilateral diplomatic relations, the societies will have to be entrained likewise.

Therefore, in co-operation with the Caucasus Institute, the South Caucasus and Turkey offices of the Heinrich Böll Foundation are initiating and establishing the ANI DIALOGUE process, a dialogue beetween civil society organisations from Turkey and Armenia.

With this dialogue process, the organizers aim at strengthening mutual understanding, reducing prejudices and putting pressure from below on both governments to continue their efforts towards the opening of the border as well as the normalization of the bilateral relations.

Well aware of the fact that the historical heritage weighs as a huge burden on both societies, the Ani Dialogue process will create room for mutual exchange of the concerns in this regard. The co-organizers are convinced by the idea that both societies have not only a common interest to engage in a dialogue with the aim to cope with this historical past but also a common interest in strengthening the sustainbable democratic development of both countries and a common interest in mutual support of civil initiatives which contribute to this aim.

Together with the core-group which consists of representatives of civil society organizations from Turkey and Armenia, the organizers of the Ani Dialogue decided to initiate the Ani Dialogue process at which 20 representatives of each of both countries will participate.

During the Ani Dialogue 2010 the following five working groups will be established:
 Culture and Heritage
 Education and Research
 Environment
 Human Rights and Democratization
 Media and Journalism

At plenary sessions topics such as regional issues, questions of democratic, economic and political transformation and visions for a common future in peace will be debated. Field trips and visits to meet experts and institutions in Armenia will complete the program of this five day meeting.

During the Ani Dialogue simultaneous translation between Armenian, English and Turkish will be provided. All costs will be covered by the organizers.

Who can apply for participation?
Applicants should
• involved in civil society organizations
• be interested in a dialogue between Armenia and Turkey
• be motivated to establish active links with CSOs with partner organizations respectively
Applicants between 18 and 35 are especially welcomed to apply

How to apply?
Applicants should
• Fill in the application form ( english or armenian) and
• Submit it together with a motivation letter of max. 200 words in Armenian/English/Turkish
by e-mail to: application@ani-dialogue.eu

Deadline for application is August 25, 2010


For more information please visit our website www.ani-dialogue.eu