AHMET DAVUTOGLU: OUR STRONG POLITICAL WILL TO NORMALIZE RELATIONS WITH ARMENIA STILL EXISTS

/PanARMENIAN.Net/
11.02.2010 22:25 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has firmly rejected
arguments suggesting that there has been deterioration in Turkey’s
political will to normalize relations with its estranged neighbor
Armenia.

Davutoglu’s remarks came on Wednesday at a press conference ahead of
his departure to Kazakhstan for a three-day official visit when he
was reminded of certain claims made in the wake of Ankara’s uneasiness
over an Armenian court ruling which the Turkish capital says threatens
protocols signed to normalize relations with Yerevan.

"Our strong political will regarding all types of efforts in the
direction of the constitution of permanent peace and stability in
the Caucasus exists," Davutoglu said, adding that Turkey’s efforts
are based on its strong resolve to contribute to the maintenance of
peace and stability, which will continue in the coming period with
the country making bold moves.

Ankara attaches importance to the advancement of this strong political
will within the framework of the initial perspective which put forth
such will, Davutoglu said, echoing Ankara’s view that the Armenian
court’s decision contains preconditions and restrictive provisions
that go against the letter and spirit of the protocols, Today’s
Zaman reported.

The Protocols aimed at normalization of bilateral ties and opening of
the border between Armenia and Turkey were signed in Zurich by Armenian
Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian and his Turkish counterpart Ahmet
Davutoglu on October 10, 2009, after a series of diplomatic talks
held through Swiss mediation.

On January 12, 2010, the Constitutional Court of the Republic of
Armenia found the protocols conformable to the country’s Organic Law.

Commenting on the CC ruling, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs
said that "it contains preconditions and restrictive provisions which
impair the letter and spirit of the Protocols."

"The decision undermines the very reason for negotiating these
Protocols as well as their fundamental objective. This approach
cannot be accepted on our part. Turkey, in line with its accustomed
allegiance to its international commitments, maintains its adherence
to the primary provisions of these Protocols. We expect the same
allegiance from the Armenian government," the Ministry said.