US APPLAUDS PRESIDENT SARGSYAN’S DECISION

armradio.am
23.04.2010 11:34

The United States on welcomed Armenia’s decision to just suspend
the discussion of the protocols with Turkey and urged to continue
normalization talks with Ankara.

"We note President Sargsyan’s announcement that Armenia will suspend
the discussion of the protocols in its national assembly. President
Sargsyan’s announcement makes clear that Armenia has not ended the
process, but has suspended it until the Turkish side is ready to move
forward," said Assistant Secretary for public diplomacy P.J. Crowley
in a press briefing.

"We applaud President Sargsyan’s decision to continue to work towards
a vision of peace, stability and reconciliation. We believe that
the normalization process carries important benefits for Turkey and
Armenia, as well as the wider Caucasus region," he added.

Crowley noted that the United States "will continue to urge both
sides to keep the door open to pursuing efforts at reconciliation and
normalization." "I do not think we’re surprised by the announcement
by President Sargsyan. We have intensive meetings with the Armenians
and the Turks here in Washington," he added.

Crowley noted that the US administration is "encouraged that neither
side has walked away from the process, but I think we all recognize
that we will just need some time to perhaps create some new momentum
that allows the process to move forward." "That gives us some reason
for optimism that over the long term we can find ways to come back
to it and try to push forward the protocols again," he added.

Crowley concluded that both sides know that "it is in ultimately
their collective interest to do this. We just have to continue to
find a way to move forward."