EN
1 September 2009 - 15:45 AMT

EU hopes Protocols on normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations to be signed soon

Javier Solana, EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy,

today welcomed the following joint statement on the normalization of relations between Turkey and Armenia. As the press release by the European Commission representation in Armenia writes,

“I welcome yesterday’s agreement between Turkey and Armenia to start internal political consultations on the protocols providing the framework for establishing diplomatic relations.

This is a crucial step towards normalization of bilateral relations, which would greatly contribute to peace, security and stability throughout an important region of Europe.

I commend the courage and vision of both sides to move forward with this historic process. I hope the two protocols can be signed, ratified, and implemented in the near term.

I congratulate Switzerland for its mediation efforts and stands ready to offer support and assistance to the normalization process.”