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On the eve of Turkish President Abdullah Gul’s upcoming visit to Switzerland, Swiss President Mrs. Doris Leuthard released a statement in her interview to Turkish “Stargazete”. Mrs. Leuthard stated that Zurich protocols are still on the table and silent diplomacy is on. The source published the interview with Swiss President which is provided below.

- What is Swiss role in Armenian-Turkish negotiating process?

- We’ve had a mediating role between Armenia and Turkey. Both governments and societies need some time.

- Do you believe that the normalization process will have its continuation?

- Yes, I do believe. I can’t give you any time period, since sometimes the speed doesn’t matter but its quality does. Both Armenia and Turkey have the same viewpoints over the mutual understanding and quality.

- How did Switzerland manage to convince the sides?

- Armenian and Turkish peoples not only desire to know the historical facts, but are long for peace in the future. Surely, Switzerland can have its contribution here. We’re ready to it.

- Even f the process is frozen; Switzerland keeps on its mediator’s role.

- Behind the curtains you always have contact. It depends on the political will of the sides. We are not the actors -- just the facilitators of the process. There is no doubt that both sides have a political will to that end. It is sometimes not important to be fast. It is more important that you have an agreement based on quality and mutual understanding.

She dismissed suspicions as to the fate of the talks.

Referring to Gul’s visit to Switzerland, Mrs. Leuthard said it’s of strategic significance. According to her Turkey is a dynamic country.