Ruben Melkonyan: Armenian-Turkish dialogue takes pauseMay 4, 2010 - 14:31 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Armenian-Turkish dialogue takes pause, according to Turkologist Ruben Melkonyan. “The process on normalization of relations has hit a deadlock, mostly because of the upcoming parliamentary elections in Turkey,” Melkonyan told a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter. As to ratification of Protocols, he noted that these have not been removed from the agenda, as neither Armenia nor Turkey withdraw signatures. “Should both countries demonstrate political will, the Protocols can give a start to a new process. It’s not ruled out that they will be amended,” Melkonyan said. 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 The Armenian Defense Ministry has denied Azerbaijan's accusations of violating the ceasefire. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan took to social media to thank his Lithuanian counterpart for the contribution. President of the Armenian parliament Alen Simonyan met with the Speaker of the Azerbaijani Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova. Achieving stable peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan remains a priority of the OSCE, said Ian Borg. Partner news | Moody's upgrades IDBank's rating Moody's has upgraded ID Bank CJSC's (IDBank) long-term local and foreign currency bank deposit ratings to Ba3 from B1. U.S. “very clear” with Azerbaijan: “It’s time to make peace with Armenia” James O'Brien has said that the United States is “very clear” with Azerbaijani that it is a time to make peace with Armenia. PACE adopts resolution on Armenia's commitment to reforms PACE welcomed the electoral reforms implemented by Armenia in accordance with the recommendations of the Venice Commission. Armenia, Germany discuss ties, South Caucasus peace process Armenian lawmakers met with the Minister of State at the Federal Foreign Office of Germany, Tobias Lindner. |