Epress.am News from Armenia
Switzerland mediated talks between Turkey and Armenia last year as a result of which the two long-estranged neighbors signed a raft of protocols in Zurich to normalize their relations.
However, after a year, neither country has ratified the protocols, and as time continues without any improvement, disillusionment with the process also grows. When asked if she believes the currently frozen process will deliver the desired normalization between Turkey and Armenia, Swiss President Doris Leuthard said they are hopeful but that a result may require more time.
“They [the protocols] have not worked yet. It needs time for both governments and societies. Probably you will never have the same view concerning the past, but you have a future. The people of these two countries must have a future. And, the future is built on the same interest that you try to give young people — a perspective based on peace and neutral partnership. That is always the best thing,” she explained, pointing out that they “can influence the situation” although different interpretations as to what really happened in 1915 will probably never cease to exist, reports Today’s Zaman.
When asked if the Turkish and Armenian sides still conduct talks although the process is frozen, the Swiss president said: “Behind the curtains you always have contact. It depends on the political will of the sides. We are not the actors — just the facilitators of the process.”
She added: “There is no doubt that both sides have a political will to that end. It is sometimes not important to be fast. It is more important that you have an agreement based on quality and mutual understanding.” Leuthard dismissed suspicions as to the fate of the talks.