Armenian Foreign Ministry: Armenia makes decisions independently

When asked whether Armenian-Turkish reconciliation and issue of Karabakh are not only internal items, Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandyan said: “Processes of Armenian-Turkish relations and Karabakh issue cannot be linked.”

“This is not only Armenian position to call into being that it is an internal item. This is also position of international community. And it makes clear that these two processes are not actually connected and cannot be connected.”

He also mentioned that after signing the protocols in Zurich it came together that protocols contain all chief statements while other comments are minor in nature: there are documents with clear items inside and without preconditions.

“Only alongside with such background the parties negotiated,” said Mr. Nalbandyan remanding that both parties have obligations and will seek to ratify the protocols, and implement the agreements as soon as possible under statute and Constitution of the two countries. Armenian FM also said any opinions that Armenia signed the protocols under pressure of superpowers, represented at signing ceremony in Zurich, are misunderstanding.

“These states are mediators in nomalisation relations with Turkey. Nations over the worlds except one contribute to this process and do not press. This was Armenia’s initiative and we reached the agreement with Turkey.”

“Long time has passed after Armenia took steps under pressure. Today’s Armenian leadership makes decisions independently.”