Armenia is ready to establish relations with Turkey without any preconditions, though it is delaying the ratification of the protocols, Speaker of the RA Parliament Hovik Abrahamyan stated at his meeting with President of Lebanon Michel Suleiman.

The press service of the RA Parliament informed NEWS.am that Speaker Abrahamyan pointed out the unacceptability of Turkey’s linking the ratification of the protocols to the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process. Armenia is ready to establish normal relations with all of its neighbors, without, however, destroying the Armenian people’s dignity.

The Lebanese President underlined the importance of normalizing relations with neighbors by diplomatic means. He also stressed the unacceptability of violating small peoples’ rights.

Speaking of the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process, Hovik Abrahamyan underlined the necessity for settling the conflict following the principle of peoples’ right to self-determination. He stressed that Nagorno-Karabakh cannot be part of Azerbaijan.

The sides also discussed bilateral cooperation and regional problems, pointing out the need for intensifying bilateral cooperation in ensuring regional peace and stability.

Speaker Abrahamyan also held a meeting with Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri. The sides discussed the issue of holding an Armenian-Lebanese business forum during Hariri’s visit to Armenia scheduled for this September.

Hovik Abrahamyan held meetings with the Lebanese Foreign Minister and with Mayor of Baalbek. He laid flowers at the grave of the assassinated Lebanese Premier Rafik Hariri and met with representatives of the Armenian community.

T.P.