INCORRECT TO LINK ARMENIA-TURKEY RECONCILIATION WITH KARABAKH PEACE PROCESS

news.am
Jan 14 2010
Armenia

It is incorrect to link Armenia-Turkey reconciliation with Karabakh
peace process, Russian FM Sergey Lavrov said at the Jan. 14 joint
press conference with his Armenian counterpart Edward Nalbandian.

"These two processes are not interrelated. Russia backs Armenia-Turkey
rapprochement, however lay down of any artificial demands in this
context is wrong and improper," Lavrov said.

Asked whether Russia postpones its energy interests to
Nagorno-Karabakh’s people right for self-determination that was gained
by blood, Russian FM replied, "I’ll keep it short — no."

Lavrov also underlined that his visit to Armenia by no means bears any
relation to Turkish Premier’s arrival in Moscow. According to Russian
FM, arrangement on Moscow talks with Erdogan was recently reached,
whereas agreement on his visit to Armenia – a month ago.