Serzh Sargsyan

Sargsyan made these remarks in a message to Gul, sent as he was travelling from Armenia to the UK today.

The message reads:

“Your Excellency,

"Flying over the territory of Turkey I extend my greetings to you and the people of neighbouring Turkey.

"Our initiative to normalize Armenia-Turkey relations is in the spotlight of international attention. This is truly a historic moment, and the whole world realizes it. The efforts of the countries involved in the region are invaluable in the improvement of bilateral relations. I’m confident that it would be impossible to make progress without their mediation. At the same time I believe that no matter how interested the friendly states are in a positive outcome of the process, they cannot do what our peoples can do.

"Mr President, I think you’ll agree that the authorities play the key role in breaking the stereotypes between our peoples and establishing an atmosphere of mutual trust. Only with trust in our work, resoluteness and adherence to our principles can we achieve results. Otherwise, when words and deeds contradict each other, this creates mistrust, thereby opening a broad field of action for those who oppose the process. We have to realize that in this case time does not contribute to the process.

"Up to now we have managed to bring bilateral contacts to a level at which the future of normal relations between our countries becomes more visible and tangible, but today it’s high time to show willingness to take a step forward in order to leave a stable,  secure region to the coming generations.

"May I assure you, Your Excellency, of my respect.”

Public Radio of Armenia