Ankara's attempts to put the blame for frustrating reconciliation process on Yerevan won't gain understanding

PanARMENIAN.Net - Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian slammed Turkey's statement that "the RA CC decision contains preconditions and restrictive provisions which impair the letter and spirit of the Protocols" as absurd.



"Willing to proceed towards ratification of the Protocols, Armenia is hopeful that Turkey will show respect to the agreements achieved earlier," he told a news conference on Friday. "Turkey puts artificial obstacles to avoid ratification. However, attempts to put the blame for frustrating reconciliation process on Yerevan won't gain understanding."



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 decision of the Armenian Constitutional Court, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that "the decision 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.