HANS-JOCHEN SCHMIDT: SETTING PRECONDITIONS IS DANGEROUS
Anna Nazaryan

"Radiolur"
13.11.2009 14:38

"The signing of the Armenian-Turkish protocols was a daring political
step, but the process of normalization of relations requires great
patience and creative mind," Hans-Jochen Schmidt, the Ambassador
Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Germany to Armenia, told a press
conference today.

The normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations will not only have a
political significance, but will also contribute to the establishment
of stability in the region. The Ambassador considers that setting
preconditions in the process is dangerous.

"I think that setting preconditions is dangerous politically. I do
believe we can hope that the ratification of the protocols will have
a positive influence on the settlement of the Karabakh issue. I attach
importance to the ratification of the protocols as soon as possible.

This step will serve as a stabilizing factor for the whole region,"
the Ambassador said.

According to Hans-Jochen Schmidt, the establishment of Armenian-Turkish
relations and opening of the border is in Turkey’s interest as
well. "If Turkey wishes to play an important role in the region,
it should prove its will by signing the protocols."