Turkey dragging out protocols ratification

January 11, 2010 - 14:13 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net -
Turkey is dragging out the process of ratification of protocol to normalize relations with Armenia, according to Professor Ruben Safrastyan, Director of RA NAS Oriental Studies Institute.

"RA Constitutional Court's decision on protocols will hardly accelerate ratification process in Turkey," he said. "Ankara seeks to exert certain pressure on Armenia through delaying the ratification process and wring certain concessions from RA and US as regards the Karabakh issue."

On January 12, RA Constitutional Court will consider the protocols to determine their conformity with RA Constitution.

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.