Interfax, Russia
Oct 15 2009

Russia hopes for early ratification of Armenian-Turkish protocols

MOSCOW Oct 15

Moscow has urged the Turkish and Armenian parliaments to ratify as
soon as possible the protocols on the normalization of bilateral
relations, signed on October 10.

"The signing of the protocols was the first step towards
normalization. The sides must ratify these documents as soon as
possible and to start implementing them in practice," Russian Foreign
ministry spokesman Andrei Nesterenko said at a press briefing in
Moscow on Thursday.

The Turkish and Armenian foreign ministers signed protocols on the
establishment of diplomatic relations and opening the border in Zurich
on October 10. These measures will be taken after the protocols are
ratified.

Russia hopes for early ratification of Armenian-Turkish protocols (Part 2)

MOSCOW Oct 15

Moscow has urged the Turkish and Armenian parliaments to ratify the
protocols on the normalization of bilateral relations, signed on
October 10, as soon as possible.

"The signing of the protocols was the first step towards
normalization. The sides must ratify these documents as soon as
possible and to start implementing them in practice," Russian Foreign
Ministry spokesman Andrei Nesterenko said at a press briefing in
Moscow on Thursday.

The Turkish and Armenian foreign ministers signed protocols on the
establishment of diplomatic relations and opening the border in Zurich
on October 10. These measures will be taken after the protocols are
ratified.

"Normalization of relations between the two neighboring states will
liven up trade and economic contacts, and have a positive impact on
the socioeconomic situation in Armenia and Turkey," Nesterenko said.

"Russia on its part is ready to support this process by implementing
cooperation projects with both Armenia and Turkey," he said.

Moscow welcomes "the pragmatic and businesslike joint work being done
by Armenian and Turkish partners in settling complicated issues,"
Nesterenko said.

On the protocols, signed in Zurich, the diplomat said that Russia
"sincerely welcomes them," and that "Armenia and Turkey are Russia’s
friends."

"The contents of the signed documents, in our opinion, indicate that
both countries are determined to pass their stretch of the way.

Importantly, none of the steps planned can be interpreted as damaging
the third party," said Nesterenko.