STATEMENT BY JAVIER SOLANA, EU HIGH REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE CFSP, ON THE NORMALISATION OF RELATIONS BETWEEN TURKEY AND ARMENIA

Targeted News Service
September 2, 2009 Wednesday 3:00 AM EST

The European Union’s European Council’s Secretary General issued the
following news release:

Javier Solana, EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and
Security Policy (CFSP), today made the following statement on the
normalisation of relations between Turkey and Armenia:

"I welcome yesterday’s agreement between Turkey and Armenia to start
internal political consultations on the protocols providing the
framework for establishing diplomatic relations.

This is a crucial step towards normalisation of bilateral relations,
which would greatly contribute to peace, security and stability
throughout an important region of Europe.

I commend the courage and vision of both sides to move forward
with this historic process. I hope the two protocols can be signed,
ratified, and implemented in the near term.

I congratulate Switzerland for its mediation efforts and stands ready
to offer support and assistance to the normalisation process."