UN chief hails signing of pacts between Armenia, Turkey

UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 10 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Saturday hailed the signing of two protocols aimed at normalizing the relations between Armenia and Turkey, describing the decision as "a milestone toward the establishment of good neighborly relations and the development of bilateral cooperation" between the two countries.

A statement, issued by Ban's spokesperson here, said, "the secretary-general welcomes the signing today in Zurich of the two protocols aimed at normalizing the relations between Armenia and Turkey."

"This historic decision constitutes a milestone toward the establishment of good neighborly relations and the development of bilateral cooperation between both countries," the statement said." The secretary-general is confident that this development will also contribute to peace, security and stability in the South Caucasus."

"The secretary-general hopes that both protocols will be swiftly ratified by the Parliaments of Armenia and Turkey to ensure full normalization of their bilateral relations," the statement said.

Relations between Armenia and Turkey had been bitter since the mass killing of Armenians by Ottoman forces in World War I.

The signing ceremony did not go as smoothly as planned. It was delayed by an apparent dispute over statements the two sides were to make later, causing them to be scrapped.

The agreement must still be ratified by the Turkish and Armenian parliaments amid continued fierce opposition from nationalist parties in both countries.