RF DEPUTY FM COMMENTS ON ARMENIAN-TURKISH RELATIONS
news.am
Nov 4 2009
Armenia
Evidence of Russia’s positive attitude to the natural Armenian-Turkey
normalization process is RF Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s
participation in the signing ceremony of the Armenian-Turkish protocols
in Zurich, RF Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Grigory Karasin stated
in his interview with the Respublika Armenia (Republic of Armenia)
newspaper. He stressed Moscow welcomes the positive changes in the
Armenia-Turkey contacts.
"Both Armenia and Turkey are friendly countries for us, and we are
interested in good neighborly relations between them," Karasin said.
According to him, the improvement of Armenian-Turkish relations will
ease tension, strengthen peace, security and stability in the South
Caucasus, as well as revive bilateral economic contacts, which will
improve the socio-economic situation in both the states.
"No point in the Armenian-Turkish agreements can be interpreted as
damage to a third side," Karasin said. According to him, the signing
of the protocols is the result of the Armenian and Turkish partners’
consistent and pragmatic work to settle complicated issues, which
confirms the Armenian and Turkish leaders’ determination to establish
good neighborly relations.
Russia, for its part, is ready to support the process through further
implementation of cooperation projects with Armenia and Turkey.
"First, these are electric energy, and transport and communication
sectors. The Russian Inter RAO EES Company, which has energy
generating facilities in Armenia, is exporting electric energy to
Turkey. The Russian Railway CJSC is ready to ensure uninterrupted rail
communication between the two countries through the Dogukapy-Akhuryan
checkpoint," Karasin said. He pointed out other long-term projects,
which can be of benefit to both Armenian and Turkish population.