Sarkozy supports Armenia’s position on Protocols

April 23, 2010 - 11:18 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - French President Nicolas Sarkozy hailed his Armenian counterpart Serzh Sargsyan’s commitment to continue the dialogue on normalization of relations with Turkey despite the problems which emerged in the process of ratification of Protocols signed in Zurich in October 2009.

France calls on Armenia and Turkey to continue the dialogue and double efforts to implement the Protocols, which will contribute to establishment of peace and stability throughout the region, says a statement posted on the French President’s website.

On April 22, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan signed a decree on suspension of the process of ratification of Protocols.

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.