Рейтинг@Mail.ru
USD
394.01
EUR
413.24
RUB
3.83
GEL
139.72
Weather in Yerevan
-1

Discussion of Armenian-Turkish relations by European structures important for Armenia

20.12.2007, 03:36
Armenia attaches importance to the discussion of Armenian-Turkish relations by the European structures, Speaker of the RA Parliament Tigran Torosyan stated at his meeting with EU Special Representative in the South Caucasus Peter Semneby, who is in Yereva

YEREVAN, December 19. /ARKA/. Armenia attaches importance to the discussion of Armenian-Turkish relations by the European structures, Speaker of the RA Parliament Tigran Torosyan stated at his meeting with EU Special Representative in the South Caucasus Peter Semneby, who is in Yerevan to take part in the parliamentary hearings on Armenian-Turkish relations.

“Armenia attaches importance to the discussion of the problem at European structures in the context of European values and European integration, as, with specific principles being set, neither side can accuse European structures of being biased,” Torosyan said. According to him, the principles must be clearly set and accepted by the sides through statements.
Moreover, they must be applied in practice.
“The road travelled by the European Union is evidence that tolerance and dialogue is the basis for resolving disagreements. Armenia’s position is in harmony with the principles. Armenia is aware of the problems that have to be put aside for some time and of the necessity for cooperation in other matters and, through the creation of an atmosphere of mutual confidence and understanding, contributing to the resolution of the problems,” Torosyan said.

He pointed out that Turkey is setting preconditions, which specifically concern the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement, recognition of the Armenian Genocide, Armenian Diaspora thereby considering it possible to establish cooperation only after the issues have been settled.

“It is natural that the preconditions should be unacceptable for Armenia, as Turkey is raising issues related to a third state, Azerbaijan, in the context of Armenian-Turkish relations. Besides, Ankara is unable to resolve its psychological problems related to the recognition of the Armenian Genocide and continues Armenia’s blockade,” Torosyan said. He stressed that these steps do not by any means fit the European system of values.

The RA Parliament has held hearings on problems and prospects of Armenian-Turkish relations.

The hearings were attended by representatives of a number of Armenian and international organizations, political parties, as well as by Peter Semneby. A Turkish representative declined the Armenian Parliament’s invitation. P.T. –0--