Russia is ready to become a mediator and to assist "in any way" in the matter of dialogue on normalization of relations between Armenia and Turkey. This was stated by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko in an interview with RIA Novosti.

"At the same time, we [i.e., Russia] consider it important to refuse to posit preconditions, to focus on mutually acceptable topics and reciprocal steps which will lead to the gradual formation of a climate of trust and good-neighborliness," the Russian official added.

According to him, the normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations will undoubtedly contribute to the improvement of the overall situation in the region.

"From this point of view, we welcome the readiness to start a dialogue, which has recently been actively demonstrated by Ankara and Yerevan. We note with satisfaction that they have appointed special representatives to discuss the difficult issue of normalization of relations," Rudenko said.