Russia to Support Armenia-Turkey Ties With Economic Projects

MOSCOW (Combined Sources)–Russia is ready to support efforts to normalize relations between Armenia and Turkey with economic projects in energy, transport and communications, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Grigori Karasin said in an interview with the Respublika Armenia newspaper on Wednesday, the Azeri Today.az news portal reported.

“Russia, for its part, is ready to support the process through further implementation of cooperation projects with Armenia and Turkey, Karasin said. “The Russian Inter RAO EES Company, which has energy facilities in Armenia, is exporting electricity to Turkey and the Russian Railway CJSC is ready to ensure uninterrupted rail communication between the two countries through the Dogukapy-Akhuryan checkpoint,” Karasin said.

“Normalization of the relations between Armenia and Turkey will help reduce tension, strengthen peace, security and stability in the Caucasus, as well as revive bilateral economic contacts, which will improve the socio-economic situation in both the states. ” he said, urging the two sides to quickly ratify and implement the protocols.

“Both Armenia and Turkey are friendly countries for us, and we are interested in good neighborly relations between them,” Karasin said, adding that he sees nothing in the recently signed agreements between Armenia and Turkey that can be regarded as damaging to Russia’s interests.

According to Karasin, the signing of the protocols on October 10 was the “result of the Armenian and Turkish partners’ consistent and pragmatic work to settle complicated issues, which confirms the Armenian and Turkish leaders’ determination to establish good neighborly relations.”

Asbarez

05.11.2009