The Armenian-Turkish protocols cannot be ratified in the near future, Sabine Freizer, Europe Program Director, International Crisis Group, stated in her interview with Voice of America.

She also pointed out Azerbaijan’s hard line and Turkish Prime Minister Recep Erdogan’s statement that the protocols will not be ratified until the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process has registered progress.

Ms. Freizer holds the opinion that, with the protocols put aside, other problems have to be dealt with now, for instance, establishing diplomatic relations between Armenia and Turkey. The two nations’ leaders have held several meetings recently, which may develop into diplomatic relations. The recognition of the modern-day border may facilitate the process, Freizer said.

T.P.