PROTOCOL RATIFICATION PROCESS MORE COMPLEX IN ARMENIA THAN IN TURKEY: NALBANDIAN

Tert.am
18:10 ~U 14.01.10

Armenia, as well as Turkey, has pledged to do everything possible
to ratify the Protocols in a reasonable timeline, said RA Foreign
Minister Edward Nalbandian to journalists following a joint press
conference with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov.

"A more complex process in ratifying the Protocols are taking place
in Armenia; in Turkey, [it’s] more simplified," said the minister,
recalling that the Protocols were sent to the Turkish parliament
already in October, while prior to being discussed in Armenia’s
Constitutional Court just a couple of days ago, the Protocols underwent
a longer route.

"I wouldn’t want to think that Turkey is intentionally hindering that
process, that would mean that they aren’t following through on their
assumed responsibilities," said Nalbandian.

Lavrov, in turn, added that Russia has an interest in the immediate
settlement of Armenian-Turkish relations.

"The sooner that happens, the better it will be for the region,"
he said.

Continuing, the Russian foreign minister said that Russia is prepared
to assist in the process through the implementation of structural
projects in which both Armenia and Turkey have an interest. Lavrov
particularly pointed out the supply of electricity, as well as
railway projects.