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Armenian FM Was Tense

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  • Armenian FM Was Tense

    ARMENIAN FM WAS TENSE
    Diana Markosyan Zurich, Switzerland

    http://a1plus.am/en/politics/2009/10/ 12/signing
    12:03 pm | October 12, 2009

    Politics

    What happened in Zurich on October 10 caught unawares not only
    Armenian and Turkish journalists but also the meeting organizers -
    the Swedish side.

    While the organisers were preparing for the signing of the Protocols
    between Armenia and Turkey, international mass media circulated
    information that the Armenian side had refused to sign the Protocols.

    After making a few telephone calls Turkish journalists left the
    University of Zurich, while Armenian journalists continued waiting
    for the comments of the Armenian FM in total hesitation.

    At 5:00 p.m. (European time), the ceremony participants, musicians,
    administrative employees, left the premises while Armenian journalists
    continued waiting. At about 6:30 Spokesman for the RA Ministry of
    Foreign Affairs, Tigran Balayan informed them to wait as "they were
    arriving."

    Half an hour later RA Ambassador to Switzerland, world-renowned
    chansonnier Charles Aznavour entered the building escorted by other
    participants. After Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and
    U.S. State Secretary Hillary Clinton appeared on the monitors it
    became clear that the signing would commence soon.

    But for some unknown reasons the signing was delayed. The Turkish
    and Swedish journalists who had left the building were soon back to
    participate in the historical event.

    At about 8:15 (Yerevan time), after a three-hour delay, the signing
    ceremony started in the University of Zurich with the participation
    of U.S. State Secretary Hillary Clinton, RF FM Sergey Lavrov, French
    FM Bernard Kouchner, Secretary-General of the Council of the European
    Union Javier Solana, President of the CoE Committee of Ministers and
    Slovenian FM Samuel Zbogar.

    Before the signing, Swedish FM Micheline Calmy-Rey announced that
    great efforts had been taken to bring the sides to the signing of
    the Protocols. He also underlined Turkey's former FM Ali Babacan's
    key participation in the process. "If the sides are ready, they are
    welcome to sign the documents," announced Micheline Calmy-Rey.

    Armenian FM Edward Nalbandian was tense during the signing while
    Turkish FM Davutoglu was obviously glad and hurried up with the
    signing. The other officials including Ms. Clinton stared at
    Mr. Nalbandian and the movements of his hand.

    After the Protocols were signed the two FMs shook hands and embraced
    their senior partners. RA Foreign Minister looked tired and sad.

    The FMs made no announcements after the signing though they were
    scheduled to.

    While the FMs were signing the documents a group of local Armenians
    staged a protest action in front of the University building demanding
    the RA FM to abstain from signing.

    After the ceremony, RA MFA Spokesman Tigran Balayan announced, "We
    witnessed a historical event today supported by the international
    community. We highly appreciate the support of our partners."

    With regard to the foreseen announcements, Mr. Balayan said: "The
    verbal announcements carried some unacceptable interpretations for
    the Armenian side and a decision was made during the talks to cancel
    the announcements."

    Although the Swedish side had promised journalists to arrange
    interviews with the FMs and guests, they were deprived of the
    opportunity because of the unexpected turn of events.

    Armenian journalists didn't have an opportunity to see Clinton,
    Lavrov,Davutoglu and Edward Nalbandian. All their efforts to speak
    to them outside the buildings failed because of police.
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