UK supports normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations

The UK believes that the previously signed Armenian-Turkish protocols should be implemented, the British Minister of State for Europe David Lidington said Nov. 3, Armenia Today news agency reported. Speaking at a news conference in Yerevan, Armenia, Lidington added that the protocols will allow moving forward.

He said the UK supports the normalization of relations between Armenia and Turkey.

At the same time he said it is positive that the Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian participated at the Turkish president’s inauguration.

On Oct. 10, 2009 the FMs of Armenia and Turkey, Ahmet Davutoglu and Edward Nalbandian signed protocols on normalization of relations between Turkey and Armenia.

However, the protocols have not been ratified by the countries’ parliaments.

The diplomatic relations between the two countries were severed in 1993.

The break in relations, as well as, the closing of borders between Turkey and Armenia in 1993 was due to Yerevan’s claims over recognition of the so-called Armenian genocide in the world and Armenia’s occupation of Azerbaijani lands.  

/trend.az/