Serzh Sargsyan, Phillip Gordon discuss Armenia-Turkey relations

February 25, 2010 - 18:37 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net -
Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan met with US Assistant Secretary of State Philip Gordon in Kyiv. During the meeting, parties focused on Armenia-Turkey rapprochement issue.

RA President once again presented official Yerevan’s position on current stage of rapprochement process, emphasizing Armenia’s adherence to the principle of normalization of ties without reservations.

Philip Gordon confirmed US support for reconciliation process, giving high assessment to Armenia’s constructive position. According to US Assistant Secretary of State, Protocols ratification without reservations by the parliaments of both states is important for normalization of bilateral ties.

Armenian delegation led by Serzh Sargsyan will return to Yerevan Thursday evening, presidential press service 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.