German ambassador: ratification of Armenian-Turkish protocols could have speeded up improvement of relations between two countries

YEREVAN, August 5. /ARKA/. German Ambassador to Armenia Hans-Jochen Schmidt thinks that ratification of Armenian-Turkish protocols could have become an important step toward solution of the problems hobbling improvement of relations between the two countries.

Two years ago, Armenian-Turkish relations started improving on Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan’s initiative.   On October 10, Armenian and Turkish foreign ministers – Edward Nalbandyan and Ahmet Davutoglu – signed the protocols on establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries and development of bilateral relations.  These protocols signed in Zurich need ratification by both countries’ parliaments.  However, Ankara is dragging its feet in this process. That is why Armenia, seeing Turkey’s unwillingness to ratify the agreements, has ceased its ratification process.  

On Wednesday, speaking at a news conference, Schmidt voiced his regret over this fact. He said that the ratification could have opened Armenia-Turkey border, giving Armenia another gateway abroad and ridding Armenia of dependence on Georgia and Iran in exporting its goods.

The ambassador said that Armenia, like other South-Caucasian countries, is now negotiating with the European Union on signing the EU-Armenia association and free trade agreements.

He said that the free trade agreement implies free export to European markets, and the open border would simplify this process. The German diplomat said that improvement of Armenian-Turkish relations and Northern Cyprus are the most important issues under discussion over Turkey’s possible membership in the European Union.-0--