EDWARD NALBANDYAN: AT PRESENT THE BALL IS IN THE TURKISH SIDE

ArmInfo
2009-05-16 11:59:00

ArmInfo.’Concerning the Armenian-Turkish normalization process,
over the past year, following the initiative of the Armenian
President, together with our Turkish neighbors and with the help of
our Swiss partners we have advanced towards opening one of the last
closed borders in Europe and normalization of our relations without
preconditions. The ball is in the Turkish side now. And we hope that
they will find the wisdom and the courage to make the last decisive
step. We wish to be confident that the necessary political will can
eventually leave behind the mentality of the past.

We have been most encouraged by the support of the international
community.

We are well aware of the fundamental and positive implications of
the establishment of Armenian-Turkish relations and of the opening
of the border for the security and stability of the region.

Our motivation is clear in the case of both challenges – and that
is, perhaps, one single common element joining them. It is that we
should not leave the burden of our differences and problems on the
shoulders of the coming generations. We must build bridges between
our nations, working out mutually beneficial regional cooperation
schemes. And our common objective should be shaping of a region that
is safe and prosperous for all’, – Armenian Foreign Minister Edward
Nalbandyan said at ‘Security and cooperation in and around Caucasus’
international conference held in Yerevan.