Philip Gordon, the US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, attended the annual session of the American-Turkish Council, and spoke of the need to ratify the Armenian-Turkish protocols. 

Reflecting on the Armenian-Turkish relations, Gordon noted that their improvement will have a positive impact on the region, Haberler news agency of Turkey informs.      

“This region needs diplomatic—and not closed—ties and open borders,” noted Gordon, and stressed that there still is time to settle the matter and the US wishes for Turkey to take steps toward ratifying the protocols.

And reflecting on the current difficulties in Turkish-Armenian relations, Philip Gordon pointed to the Cyprus issue and the Armenian Genocide resolutions being introduced to the US Congress.