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    Categories: 2018

Switzerland: Armenia-Turkey normalization is key for regional stability and peace

News.am, Armenia
March 6 2018
Switzerland: Armenia-Turkey normalization is key for regional stability and peace Switzerland: Armenia-Turkey normalization is key for regional stability and peace
13:42, 06.03.2018
                  

YEREVAN. – Switzerland remains convinced that pursuing efforts towards normalization between Armenia and Turkey is key for the stability and peaceful future of the region, the Swiss foreign ministry said.

“Switzerland takes note that the Zurich Protocols, signed in 2009, have not been ratified by the Armenian and Turkish parliaments and that the process, on the official level, has thus come to a halt,” Federal Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement sent in response to the written inquiry by Armenian News-NEWS.am.

Armenia-Turkey protocols were signed in 2009 in Zurich with the mediation of Switzerland.

According to the Swiss foreign office, since 2009, both societies have become increasingly aware of the need for normalization of relations. They recall that numerous contacts also at an unofficial level, between private sector representatives, journalists, civil society and academia have taken place since the signature of the protocols which intended for the creation of a joint historical commission, the re-establishment of diplomatic relations and the opening of borders. 

“Switzerland remains convinced that pursuing efforts towards normalization is key for the stability and peaceful future of the region. Switzerland remains available to support this process if requested, ” the statement reads.

Last week President Serzh Sargsyan signed a decree to terminate the process of signing of Armenia-Turkey protocols.

Emil Lazarian: “I should like to see any power of the world destroy this race, this small tribe of unimportant people, whose wars have all been fought and lost, whose structures have crumbled, literature is unread, music is unheard, and prayers are no more answered. Go ahead, destroy Armenia . See if you can do it. Send them into the desert without bread or water. Burn their homes and churches. Then see if they will not laugh, sing and pray again. For when two of them meet anywhere in the world, see if they will not create a New Armenia.” - WS