Davutoglu's old story of rapproachement at Artsakh's expense

October 11, 2013 - 17:21 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - Ankara will be working to improve ties with Armenia, Turkish Foreign Minister said in Switzerland.

“We’re trying to develop creative ideas in bilateral relationship,” Anadolu quoted Ahmet Davutoglu as saying.

As Armenian Freign Miniistry spokesman noted in this context, Davutoglu's statement contains no new information.

"It's been the same story ever since the Armenian-Turkish protocols were signed 4 years ago. Turkish remarks on constructive approach are noting more than Ankara's masked refusal to ratify and implement the protocols, while setting unstipulated preconditions," Tigran Balayan said.

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.