J. PENNINGTON, "NORMALIZATION OF ARMENIAN-TURKISH RELATIONS AND NAGORNO KARABAKH CONFLICT REGULATION ARE SEPARATE PROCESSES"

ARMENPRESS
DECEMBER 17, 2009
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 17, ARMENPRESS: The issues on the normalization of
Armenian-Turkish relations and Nagorno Karabakh conflict regulation
are separate processes, Deputy Head of U.S. diplomatic mission in
Armenia Josef Pennington stated at the meeting with Armenian and
Turkish journalists today on the initiative of "Eurasia Partnership"
Foundation and Center for Global Political Trends pointing out that
the regulation of Nagorno Karabakh conflict is a separate process
and it is not possible to be accepted as a precondition. "We have
many times stated that they are separate processes. Besides that,
the peaceful and lasting solution of NK conflict will be a positive
step in itself", the deputy ambassador said.

Contrary to U.S. claims, the Turkish side has made statements for
many times, according to which NK issue is viewed as a precondition
in the regulation of Armenian-Turkish relations.

In answer to the question of Armenpress on such a position of Turkish
officials, J. Pennington noted that this issue has been discussed
also during the visit of the Turkish prime minister to the USA,
"We can make a judgment about it also by President Obama’s statement
made after the meeting.

We support the both sides in ratifying the protocols and expect them
to do it soon", U.S. deputy ambassador said.