Interview with Swiss Federal Councilor Micheline
Q: Neutral Switzerland mediates in the normalization of Turkey and Armenia relations, is it appropriate mediation to neutrality principle? In which form mediation will continue in future? Why has Switzerland been chosen as a mediator in Turkey-Armenia negotiations?
A: Neutrality does not mean that we should just stand aside and not care about what is happening in the world! It does not mean that we should abstain from assisting our friends and partners when they ask us to do so!
On the contrary, our neutrality allows us to be active in such sensitive situations, where the parties involved know that we are going to do our best no matter what, in a fair and impartial manner, without any ulterior motive but to contribute to peace, stability and human security and development.
This is what our humanitarian tradition and our policy of good offices are all about. And this is exactly why Turkey and Armenia asked us to mediate their process — because they knew that they could fully trust us. We are grateful for that trust, and very happy that we could contribute to this historic process.
Q: Do you think the normalization of the Turkey -Armenia relations will contribute to the solution to Nagorno Karabakh conflict?
A: The two processes are running in parallel and they should both go forward as rapidly as their own respective dynamics make it possible. We support the Minsk Group process, and we are pleased to note that the negotiations in this framework have been going on intensively during the last year or so.
We very much hope that the forthcoming meeting between President Aliev and President Sargsyan will again contribute to further strengthen this positive momentum, and that an agreement on the key principles will soon be achieved. If anything, the normalization process between Turkey and Armenia showed that political courage, genuine commitment and the wisdom to compromise can bring about remarkable results.
The situation in the region is complex and delicate, but I am convinced that the positive developments between Turkey and Armenia can and will have a positive influence.
Q: What will Switzerland do as the mediator if the protocols are not ratified by the parliaments of the two countries? Is Switzerland working with the sides for the ratification of the protocols at present, or the mission of your country has ended with signing of the protocols?
A: The mandate that we received from the parties was to assist them in coming to an agreement which would allow them to normalize their relations. This was achieved with the conclusion and then the signing of the two protocols. Beyond that, Switzerland remains of course in contact with the parties. We encourage them not to lose the momentum and to proceed diligently with the ratification process, so that the implementation of what was agreed can rapidly start.
Needless to say, we fully support this process which, we are convinced, will greatly benefit both countries, both peoples and eventually the whole region. We are of course ready, if so requested by the parties, to continue to be of assistance in this context.
All along the “Berne process”, we witnessed a remarkable and unyielding political commitment to move forward, in spite of all tensions and difficulties. I know that this commitment is still there, and I very much hope that it will very soon bear fruits.
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