U.S. WELCOMES NORMALIZATION OF TURKISH-ARMENIAN RELATIONS – OFFICIAL

Interfax
Sept 1 2009
Russia

The U.S. Department of State approves of the ongoing efforts aimed
at normalizing relations between Turkey and Armenia, Department of
State spokesman Ian Kelly said in a statement on Monday.

"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," Kelly said.

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

"We urge Armenia and Turkey to proceed expeditiously, according to
the agreed framework as described in today’s statement," he said.

"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," he added.