Armenia-Turkey rapprochement process has so far been reassuring, Secretary General of the Council of Europe Thorbjorn Jagland stated. He didn’t venture to predict further development of events, refusing to give forecasts as to Protocols ratification. Normalization of ties between Armenia and Turkey might take a lot of time, he noted.

“A number of obstacles remain for Armenia-Turkey rapprochement. Yet, the first step was taken, which I’m sure won’t be the last,” Jagland said.

CE Secretary General expressed hope for increased role of Turkey in the region, as well as Europe. “Turkey’s internal policy aims to increase social and cultural rights of national minorities, which has to be reflected in the updated constitution,” CNNTurk cited him as saying.