DAVUTOGLU PLANS TO CALL HILLARY CLINTON TO EXPRESS TURKEY’S CONCERN ON ARMENIAN COURT’S DECISION

Tert.am
18:33 ~U 22.01.10

Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said the substance and
spirit of the protocols between Turkey and Armenia for normalization
of relations should be protected, reports Anadolu Ajansi.

Commenting on the Armenian Constitutional Court’s verdict on the
protocols at a press conference in Ankara Friday, Davutoglu said it
was natural for the Armenian court to elaborate on the protocols’
compliance with the Armenian constitution, adding, however, that
preservation of the substance and spirit of the protocols, was what
really mattered for Turkey.

"Restrictions on the protocols, attempts to divide them and give
precedence to certain parts over others, does not suit the substance
and spirit of these protocols," said Davutoglu.

He said Turkey set out with the perspective to normalize relations
with Armenia and displayed a strong political will to conclude the
process expressing Turkey’s expectancy from Armenia to be loyal to
the protocols.

Davutoglu said he communicated Turkey’s concerns to his Armenian
counterpart Edward Nalbandian over the phone. He said Nalbandian
reassured him that the court’s decision did not change what Armenia
agreed in the beginning.

"However, we expect to hear more unequivocal and clear statements on
this issue," said Davutoglu.

Davutoglu said he would call U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
and talk to Switzerland, who is mediating the talks, to voice Turkey’s
concerns.