ROBERT SIMMONS: NATO SUPPORTS THE ARMENIA-TURKEY NORMALIZATION
Anna Nazaryan

"Radiolur"
06.11.2009 14:25

"The normalization of the Armenian Turkish relations ad opening of
the border will be a good sign of stability for the region, which has
frozen conflicts," NATO Secretary General’s Special Representative
in the South Caucasus and Central Asia Robert Simmons told a press
conference in Yerevan today.

According to him, the opening of the border will be of great economic
importance, as well. "There is already substantial trade between
Armenia and Turkey despite closed border and it can only improve the
economy of the region," he said.

"Though the alliance supports these relations, NATO can not participate
in this process or support any of the sides. We hope, the protocols
will be ratified, because these are of great stabilizing importance,"
he said.

As to the relations between Armenia, and NATO, Robert Simmons said:
"We continue working closely with the Armenian Ministry of Defense
to develop interaction between Armenian armed forces and the NATO
forces and to assist the Government of Armenia in defense reform
processes, especially developing the education and training systems
of the Defense Ministry."