Yerevan and Ankara realized importance of publicity and transparency of Armenian-Turkish process

PanARMENIAN.Net - Armenian-Turkish joint statement and protocol on establishing ties contains several positive points for Armenia, Stepan Grigoryan, Head of Analytical Center on Globalization and Regional Cooperation, told a news conference in Yerevan. "Yerevan and Ankara have realized the importance of making normalization process public and transparent. Even the best document cannot be valid if it has not received public approval. Besides, Protocol clearly states the time-limits for each action. It's a very important aspect, since Armenia in this period was concerned that Turkey may constantly delay the process," Armenian expert stressed.



All clauses in the Protocol "On Establishing Bilateral Ties" comply with international standards, which is a positive moment, speaker said. "That the document does not refer to Kars treaty is also a positive aspect. But the phrase 'common border' is underlined here. As UN member, Armenia has recognized both countries' borders and territorial integrity," Stepan Grigoryan noted. Besides, Ankara has rejected the policy of imposing preconditions, as can be seen by the Protocols which contain no single word on Karabakh conflict.



"All that demonstrates that Ankara has undertaken serious steps in relation to Armenia, and that enables President Sargsyan to leave for Turkey to watch return football match," Armenian expert stated. According to him, Armenian-Turkish process maintains positive tendencies. "As regards ratification of protocols, I think both countries' legislative bodies will approve them," he said.