news.am, Armenia
Jan 16 2010

German, French Ambassadors on Protocols and Karabakh conflict

14:36 / 01/16/2010I consider setting forth extra preconditions on the
scent of Armenia-Turkey Protocols’ ratification a slip-up, German
Ambassador to Armenia Hans-Jochen Schmidt told NEWS.am.

He underlined that ratification is not linked with Karabakh peace
process in any way. According to him, conditioning of the Protocols’
ratification by Karabakh conflict settlement is wrong and not in
Turkey’s interests. `If Turkey wishes to increase its influence in the
region, it should definitely have good relations not with one but all
regional states. The sooner Turkey realizes it, the better.
Stipulation of Protocols’ ratification by Karabakh peace process does
not assist Armenia-Turkey reconciliation,’ the Ambassador said.

According to him, early ratification is in both countries’ interests.
Schmidt recalled that Armenia and Turkey overcame a number of
obstacles on the way to Protocols’ signing, and even the last moment
problems did not hinder the signing. Thus, the sides should not stop
at what has been accomplished and ratifying the documents make the
first move towards the normalization of relations.

`It is essential to deal with Protocol’s ratification quickly to focus
on Karabakh issue,’ the Ambassador stated. He also expressed content
with Karabakh peace process, pointing out that the talks are intensive
and OSCE MG efforts are efficient.

French Ambassador to Armenia Serge Smessow emphasized that the
ratification should not be conditioned by Karabakh conflict
settlement, as the processes are not interrelated. He emphasized that
states have to ratify the Protocols shortly as a sign of goodwill.
`Undoubtedly, there are certain political issues, but Turkey should
get over them and ratify the Protocols,’ the Ambassador concluded.