RF MFA: prospect of Armenian-Turkish normalization still preservedApril 24, 2010 - 15:03 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Spokesman for the Russian Foreign Ministry Andrei Nesterenko stated that Armenia and Russian have failed to reach a decision that would allow restoring neighborly relations, and consequently improving the political situation in the South Caucasus and creating prerequisites for boosting stability in the region. “Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan summarized in his April 22 address the poor result of long-continued negotiations on reconciliation with Turkey and declared deadlock in the process. Nevertheless, he stressed that Armenia just suspends ratification of Protocols’, but doesn’t not withdraw its signature from them. Thus, the prospect for the Armenian-Turkish normalization is preserved,” he said. “We are hopeful that the two countries will manage to remove the current obstacles and create conditions for comprehensive normalization of relations, in which all countries of the region are interested,” the Russian diplomat said, the press service of the Russian MFA reported. On April 22, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan signed a decree on termination of the procedure on ratification of Armenian-Turkish Protocols signed in Zurich on October 10, 2009. 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. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Armenia recalls Belarus envoy for consultations Armenian Ambassador to Belarus has been called to Yerevan for consultations, a spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry reveals. Armenia denies Azerbaijan's ceasefire accusations The Armenian Defense Ministry has denied Azerbaijan's accusations of violating the ceasefire. Armenia will leave Russian-led military bloc, says Pashinyan Armenia will leave the Russian-led Collective Security Organization, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said, without giving any dates. EU encourages Armenia to prioritize strategic projects The EU has encouraged Armenia to prioritize strategic projects, according to a statement from the country’s Foreign Ministry. |