U.S. HAILS TURKEY AND ARMENIA’S EFFORTS TO NORMALIZE RELATIONS

Yerkir
01.09.2009 19:07

Yerevan (Yerkir) – Washington has hailed Yerevan and Ankara’s efforts
to normalize bilateral relations.

"The United States warmly welcomes the joint statement made today by
Turkey and Armenia, with Swiss participation, outlining further steps
in the normalization of their bilateral relations," said Ian Kelly,
a spokesman for the U.S. Department of State.

"It has long been and remains the position of the United States that
normalization should take place without preconditions and within a
reasonable timeframe," he said.

"We urge Armenia and Turkey to proceed expeditiously, according to the
agreed framework as described in today’s statement. We remain ready
to work closely with both governments in support of normalization, a
historic process that will contribute to peace, security and stability
throughout the region," Mr. Kelly said.