Armenia's position concerning NKR status recognition unchanged

April 6, 2010 - 14:10 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - EU Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighborhood Policy Stefan Fuele said that the European Union is ready to facilitate the process of the Armenian-Turkish protocols ratification without any preconditions. The EU is ready to contribute to the development of frontier regions, as soon as the Protocols are signed and come into force, Stefan Fuele said during a joint press conference with RA Foreign Affairs Minister Edward Nalbandian. At the same time, he highly appreciated the activity and courage of the Armenian President who agreed to establish a dialogue with Turkey. According to Fuele, the restoration of the Armenian-Turkish relations may have a positive impact also on the process of Turkey's membership in the European family.

Referring to the process of the NKR conflict settlement, Fuele said that the EU not only supports the OSCE Minsk Group activity, but also is ready to develop certain programs for restoration of trust both in Nagorno Karabakh and in the region.

Armenia's Foreign Affairs Minister said in his turn that Armenia's position concerning the NKR status recognition has not changed. “Both Armenia and the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs understand that the Karabakh people's right to self-determination is the main issue in the Karabakh conflict settlement,” said Nalbandyan, commenting on possible change in the country's position towards the NKR status recognition. According to Mr. Nalbandian, within this context, the Armenian President's statement that it will be possible to resolve the conflict during a couple of hours, if Azerbaijan recognizes the NKR independence, implies right this. “If this main issue is resolved, it will be much easier to discuss the others,” noted Nalbandian.

The Armenian-Turkish Protocols

The Protocols aimed at normalization of bilateral ties and opening of the border between Armenia and Turkey were signed in Zurich by Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian and his Turkish counterpart Ahmet Davutoglu on October 10, 2009, after a series of diplomatic talks held through Swiss mediation.

On January 12, 2010, the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Armenia found the protocols conformable to the country’s Organic Law.

Commenting on the CC ruling, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that “it contains preconditions and restrictive provisions which impair the letter and spirit of the Protocols.” ”The decision undermines the very reason for negotiating these Protocols as well as their fundamental objective. This approach cannot be accepted on our part. Turkey, in line with its accustomed allegiance to its international commitments, maintains its adherence to the primary provisions of these Protocols. We expect the same allegiance from the Armenian government,” the Ministry said.