TURKISH PREMIER SAYS PROTOCOLS WITH ARMENIA NEED PARLIAMENTARY APPROVAL

Anadolu Ajansi
Sept 1 2009
Turkey

Ankara/parliament, 1 September: Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip
Erdogan said on Tuesday [1 September] that the protocol, which was
initialled between Turkey and Armenia, would not be functional without
the approval of Turkish parliament.

Regarding the protocol on development of relations between Turkey
and Armenia, Erdogan told reporters, "This is one of the steps we
have taken within this process. This is a step to start internal
consultations and it was announced by Switzerland, Turkey and Armenia
yesterday at 5:00 p.m. This (protocol) will not be functional without
the approval of the parliament."

Under Switzerland’s mediation Turkey and Armenia agreed [on] Monday
to start their internal political consultations on the establishment
of diplomatic ties and development of bilateral relations.

Under the agreement, the two countries will conclude internal political
consultations within six weeks, which will be followed by ratification
at Turkish and Armenian parliaments.