Let time show if Ankara is willing to ratify protocols, Nalbanidan says

March 18, 2010 - 15:47 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - Armenia initiated the process of normalization of relations with Turkey and signed the Protocols despite all obstacles, RA Foreign Minister said.

"Yerevan is willing to move forward. Let time show whether Ankara is willing too," Edward Nalbandian said during a joint news conference with his Slovak counterpart Miroslav Lajcak.

Mr. Lajcak, for his part, voiced hope that the Protocols will be ratified without preconditions and linkage to other processes.

As to Turkey's EU bid, he said Ankara should meet all commitments to be accepted to the Union.

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.

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.