Armenian-Turkish relations discussed in New York

February 13, 2010 - 13:00 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net -
A discussion on establishment of diplomatic relations between Armenia and Turkey, prospects of regional security and cooperation was held in New York on February 11. Head of the RA presidential administration Vigen Sargsyan and permanent representative of Armenia to UN Karen Nazaryan were guest speakers at the event, which brought together international law experts, diplomats and businessmen.

Armenian officials presented the RA stance on normalization of the Armenian-Turkish relations. They also referred to the ruling of the Constitutional Court, which confirmed Armenia’s constructive approach to the issue.

The Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement process was in focus as well, RA MFA press office reported.

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.