RA CC ruling doesn't limit or qualify Protocols in any way, US says

PanARMENIAN.Net - The United States welcomed a ruling by Armenia's Constitutional Court late on Friday, effectively dismissing Turkey's claims that it runs counter to the Turkish-Armenian fence-mending agreements.



"We view the court decision as a positive step forward in the ratification process of the normalization protocols between Turkey and Armenia," U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Philip Gordon said in written comments sent to RFE/RL. "The court decision permits the protocols, as they were negotiated and signed, to move forward towards parliamentary ratification, and does not appear to limit or qualify them in any way."



"We are confident that both Turkey and Armenia take their commitment to the protocols seriously, and we urge timely ratification of the protocols by both countries," added Gordon. "Our position remains the same. We support the normalization process, which we believe contributes to peace and stability in the Caucasus. What is critical is to keep the parties focused on the vital importance of moving ahead."



Earlier, commenting on the decision of the Armenian Constitutional Court, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that "the decision 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.



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.