Armenia President Serzh Sargsyan proposed Turkey "a fresh start" with the goal of normalizing relations and opening the border, which had been closed for almost 15 years. He expects to "announce a new symbolic start in two countries' relations" with Turkish President Abdullah Gul when he visits Armenia to watch the football game between two countries' national teams in September.
"The time has come for a fresh effort to break this deadlock, a situation that helps no one and hurts many. As president of Armenia, I take this opportunity to propose a fresh start - a new phase of dialogue with the government and people of Turkey, with the goal of normalizing relations and opening our common border," Sargsyan said in an article published on Wall Street Journal's online edition on Wednesday.
Sargsyan added he invited Turkish President Abdullah Gul to wath Armenia-Turkey football game on September 6.
"Thus we will announce a new symbolic start in our relations. Whatever our differences, there are certain cultural, humanitarian and sports links that our peoples share, even with a closed border. This is why I sincerely believe that the ordinary people of Armenia and Turkey will welcome such a gesture and will cheer the day that our borders open," he wrote.