ARMENIA-TURKISH RELATIONS AND KARABAKH SETTLEMENT NOT LINKED-FM

ITAR-TASS
Jan 14 2010
Russia

YEREVAN, January 14 (Itar-Tass) – Russia sees no connection between
the process of normalization of the Armenian-Turkish relations and
Nagorno-Karabakh settlement, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov
said on Thursday following the talks with his Armenian counterpart
Edward Nalbandian,

"There should be no artificial linkage between these matters. This
is not proper," the minister stressed.

He said, "Russia has confirmed its support for this process. We are
interested in the normalization of these relations." "The sooner this
happens, the better for the whole region," he added.

The Russian foreign minister holds that "this process can be assisted
through implementing infrastructure projects in the region." "If
the sides are ready for this, Russia will give assistance," Lavrov
promised.