U.S. ‘disappointed’ with stalled Turkey-Armenia reconciliation
WASHINGTON, D.C. – A senior US official has said Washington favors parliamentary approval and implementation of the reconciliation accords signed by Turkey and Armenia in 2009.
"We believe that such a step would promote peace and stability in the Caucasus. But this did not happen. We are disappointed. But maybe more suitable conditions will emerge for this in the future," Philip Gordon, US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, said while addressing John Hopkins University.
Gordon said there should be reconciliation both between Turkey and Armenia and between Armenia and Azerbaijan. "Such reconciliation is important for US interests," he added.
Turkey and Armenia have been at odds for decades and their shared border has been shut since 1993 due to Armenia’s occupation of Azerbaijani territory and Armenian claims on World War I-era "genocide". In October 2009, the two governments signed agreements to establish diplomatic relations and reopen their borders. However, the accords require approval by both countries’ parliaments. Yerevan suspended ratification of the deals this April. Turkish officials have assured Azerbaijan, Turkey’s ally, that the protocols will not be ratified until progress is made in resolving the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict.
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