NATO welcomes Armenia-Turkey reconciliation, NATO Special Representative for the Caucasus and Central Asia Robert Simmons stated, Nov. 6, 2009. According to him, the establishment of Armenia-Turkey relations will be cost-effective for both states.

“Despite the closure of borders, the trade carries on, however after the border opening the countries will be able to open up new markets,” Simmons outlined. Besides, the establishment of relations will contribute to the stabilization of situation in such a complex region as South Caucasus is, with numerous frozen conflicts like Russia-Georgia and Karabakh. NATO cannot get involved with the normalization process or side with any party, Simmons noted.

“Hopefully, Armenia-Turkey Protocols will be ratified, as they are not interrelated with other issues. As for Karabakh dispute, it is being settled within the framework of OSCE Minsk Group,” Simmons said, adding that Armenian and Azerbaijani Presidents should concentrate on the expeditious resolution of Karabakh conflict.