Armenia Ready To Open Border With Turkey Without Preconditions

Yerevan/NEWS.am -- Normalization of relations with Turkey will provide serious possibility for peace, security and stability in the region, Secretary of Armenia's National Security Council said. “Armenia deems important the issue of long-term normalization of relations with Turkey,” Arthur Baghdasaryan said, noting that Armenia does not see from Turkish side real steps to normalize relations.

“Armenia is ready to open the border and establish diplomatic relations without preconditions. This is the path to future. Of course, the past is important but we need to look to the future,” he added.

Baghdasaryan noted that for Armenia it is very important international partners' understanding of the problem and consistent assistance that will enable Turkey to objectively evaluate their history and move forward with regard to its aspirations to play a dominant role in the region.

In October 2009 Armenia and Turkey signed protocols in Zurich to normalize diplomatic relations between the states. The documents had to be ratified in both countries’ parliaments. However, in 2010 the Armenian president

suspended the process due to Turkey’s non-constructive stance. Ankara set preconditions and linked the reconciliation process to resolution of the Karabakh conflict.

LOUSSAPATZ-1025-2014-03-22