The signing ceremony of the Armenian-Turkish protocols was held in a most tense atmosphere. After a long delay and consultations, RA and Turkish Foreign Ministers signed the Protocols 3 hours behind schedule.

The ceremony participants refused to make the previously announced final statements that caused controversy. Earlier Swiss Foreign Minister Micheline Calmy-Rey stated the sides were to make statements after the ceremony. However, according to Armenian diplomats, it was not of vital importance as RA President Serzh Sargsyan today made an extensive statement on the Protocols.

As NEWS.am already reported, RA Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandyan and Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu signed the Armenian-Turkish Protocols at 11:16 p.m. Yerevan time.

Photo: Sebastien Bozon/Agence France-Presse