Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on the Armenian-Turkish Normalization Process

The Secretary-General welcomes the signing today in Zürich of the two protocols aimed at normalizing the relations between Armenia and Turkey. This historic decision constitutes a milestone toward the establishment of good neighbourly relations and the development of bilateral cooperation between both countries. The Secretary-General is confident that this development will also contribute to peace, security and stability in the South Caucasus.

The Secretary-General hopes that both protocols will be swiftly ratified by the Parliaments of Armenia and Turkey to ensure full normalization of their bilateral relations.

New York, 10 October 2009