Chances for ratification of Armenian-Turkish protocols still exist – ICG director

Protocols on renewal of Armenian-Turkish diplomatic relations may still be ratified in Turkey, Director of the International Crisis Group (ICG) Sabina Freiser told News.am, commenting on one of the latest statements of Turkish President Abdullah Gul. The president said a few days ago that the protocols are still not dead.

The director noted that ratification is unlikely without a settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Turkey most likely wants  the basic principles for the Nagorno-Karabakh to be signed and Armenian forces withdrawn. Withdrawal would be a major step towards peace and development in the region. Neither Armenia nor Nagorno-Karabakh have ever claimed sovereignty over the territories, the ICG expert says.

Freiser added that Armenian-Turkish relations continue normalizing through contacts in other spheres, despite the unratified documents.