U.S. Department of State hopes for soonest normalization of Armenia-Turkey relations

PanARMENIAN.Net - The U.S. Department of State shares our European Allies' hope that Turkey and Armenia will soon normalize their relations, said Matthew Bryza, Deputy Assistant of State for European and Eurasian Affairs.



"This will involve a decision by Turkey to restore diplomatic relations and reopen its border with Armenia, and Armenia's recognition of its existing border with Turkey. We hope such steps will also lead to a heartfelt discussion of the shared and tragic past of these two friends of the United States," he said at Washington Institute for Near East Policy.



"In Europe, the United States remains convinced that Turkey's eventual membership in the European Union will benefit Europe and Turkey alike. Turkey's blend of democracy, secularism, and rule of law can help us all deepen our understanding of how to integrate our Muslim populations into our mainstream societies while countering extremist recruiters. Meanwhile, Europe's criteria for accession to the EU provide a set of incentives for sustained reforms which, while in Turkey's national interests, are often politically difficult to make," he said.