Like friendly Cyprus, Armenia is not in the habit of resolving its problems by means of threats and political blackmail, RA President Serzh Sargsyan stated at a press conference held jointly with his Cypriot counterpart Dimitris Christofias, January 17.

Speaking of Armenian-Turkish relations, President Serzh Sargsyan stated: “I think you are well aware that, despite Armenia’s willingness to normalize the relations, the Armenian-Turkish border remains closed. Armenia and Turkey have not established diplomatic relations. Armenia does not object to Turkey’s membership in the European Union. On the other hand, we are sure that Turkey will not be able to pave its way to the EU without putting up with its past and establishing constructive relations with its neighbors.”

As regards the prospects for settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh and Cypriot conflicts, the Armenian leader said: “We are unanimous that each conflict must be settled, with the historical past and specific features considered. This is the reason why we support each other as respects settlement of the conflicts. We do not think that the principles of peoples’ self-determination and territorial integrity contradict each other.”

Since Armenia gained independence, Armenia and Cyprus established close ties. Armenian-Cypriot friendship has great potential for development. The four documents signed on January 17 are of importance. “We agreed to maintain high-level political dialogue. I would like to say with pleasure that our military establishments have actively developed cooperation recently. It is a personal matter for me as well, because I put my signature to the document when I was Minister of Defense,” President Serzh Sargsyan said.

The Armenian leader stressed the importance of developing bilateral humanitarian ties.

Armenian-Cypriot relations have a brilliant future, the Armenian leader said.