ARMENIAN FM WAS TENSE
Diana Markosyan Zurich, Switzerland

12/signing
12:03 pm | October 12, 2009

Politics

What happened in Zurich on October 10 caught unawares not only
Armenian and Turkish journalists but also the meeting organizers –
the Swedish side.

While the organisers were preparing for the signing of the Protocols
between Armenia and Turkey, international mass media circulated
information that the Armenian side had refused to sign the Protocols.

After making a few telephone calls Turkish journalists left the
University of Zurich, while Armenian journalists continued waiting
for the comments of the Armenian FM in total hesitation.

At 5:00 p.m. (European time), the ceremony participants, musicians,
administrative employees, left the premises while Armenian journalists
continued waiting. At about 6:30 Spokesman for the RA Ministry of
Foreign Affairs, Tigran Balayan informed them to wait as "they were
arriving."

Half an hour later RA Ambassador to Switzerland, world-renowned
chansonnier Charles Aznavour entered the building escorted by other
participants. After Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and
U.S. State Secretary Hillary Clinton appeared on the monitors it
became clear that the signing would commence soon.

But for some unknown reasons the signing was delayed. The Turkish
and Swedish journalists who had left the building were soon back to
participate in the historical event.

At about 8:15 (Yerevan time), after a three-hour delay, the signing
ceremony started in the University of Zurich with the participation
of U.S. State Secretary Hillary Clinton, RF FM Sergey Lavrov, French
FM Bernard Kouchner, Secretary-General of the Council of the European
Union Javier Solana, President of the CoE Committee of Ministers and
Slovenian FM Samuel Zbogar.

Before the signing, Swedish FM Micheline Calmy-Rey announced that
great efforts had been taken to bring the sides to the signing of
the Protocols. He also underlined Turkey’s former FM Ali Babacan’s
key participation in the process. "If the sides are ready, they are
welcome to sign the documents," announced Micheline Calmy-Rey.

Armenian FM Edward Nalbandian was tense during the signing while
Turkish FM Davutoglu was obviously glad and hurried up with the
signing. The other officials including Ms. Clinton stared at
Mr. Nalbandian and the movements of his hand.

After the Protocols were signed the two FMs shook hands and embraced
their senior partners. RA Foreign Minister looked tired and sad.

The FMs made no announcements after the signing though they were
scheduled to.

While the FMs were signing the documents a group of local Armenians
staged a protest action in front of the University building demanding
the RA FM to abstain from signing.

After the ceremony, RA MFA Spokesman Tigran Balayan announced, "We
witnessed a historical event today supported by the international
community. We highly appreciate the support of our partners."

With regard to the foreseen announcements, Mr. Balayan said: "The
verbal announcements carried some unacceptable interpretations for
the Armenian side and a decision was made during the talks to cancel
the announcements."

Although the Swedish side had promised journalists to arrange
interviews with the FMs and guests, they were deprived of the
opportunity because of the unexpected turn of events.

Armenian journalists didn’t have an opportunity to see Clinton,
Lavrov,Davutoglu and Edward Nalbandian. All their efforts to speak
to them outside the buildings failed because of police.