The Armenian-Turkish protocols remain the cornerstone of the normalization process, Ara Gochunyam, Editor–in-Chief of the Turkey-based Armenian newspaper Zhamanak, told NEWS.am.
No serious positive changes should be expected in the Armenian-Turkish process in the near future. “I do not think the situation can radically change in the foreseeable future. May be by the year 2015, provided the international approach to the Armenian Cause undergoes certain changes and Turkey runs the risk of playing it as its last trump card,” he said.
In the context of Armenian-Turkish reconciliation, Gochunyan emphasizes the Nagorno-Karabakh problem. Both Armenia and Azerbaijan are Turkey’s neighbors, and the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has its indirect influence. “One region, and one problem influencing the general situation. Turkey does not want to disturb the fragile balance in the South Caucasus not does it want the pendulum to swing in Armenia’s favor,” he said.
As to what the sides have to do to make progress in improving the Armenian-Turkish relations, Gochukyan pointed out that the sides will not have the zeal to carry the process through. “I do not say which side is to blame nor do I point to the causes. I just say both the sides are not so enthusiastic now, and I do not see ways of settling the problem as soon as possible now,” the journalist said.
Responding to the same question, Aris Nalci, Editor of the Istanbul-based Agos newspaper, said that public figures should deal with the problem.
“Non-governmental organizations have lately intensified their activities. They organize cultural events, different meetings and conferences, elaborate joint projects. All this facilitates contacts. Business circles are more active. Several Turkish companies asked me recently to find an Armenian ready for cooperation. It has been the first time. It is important that culture press politics, that public figures press diplomats. Then the things may get going,” Nalci said.
He also pointed out that many expectations were not fulfilled. However, there is a hope. “Culture and diplomacy are two parallels. But, instead of harmoniously developing, one of them, diplomacy, is behind,” Nalci said.
He believes diplomats are right in that the two nations are not yet ready for such a step. “It mainly concerns Turkey. Still, there is progress. In the 21st century I cannot explain to my son why Turkey is not ‘on speaking terms’ with its neighbor. There are opportunities, which have to be used – step by step,” Nalci said.
A year ago, on August 31 night, 2009, the Armenian, Turkish and Swiss foreign offices announced the initialing of two Armenian-Turkish protocols on establishing diplomatic ties and developing bilateral relations. The protocols set reasonable timeframes for improving the bilateral relations. Last October the protocols were signed inaugurating the ratification process. This April, RA President Sezh Sargsyan suspended the ratification process because of official Ankara’s nonconstructive position Specifically, the Turkish side tries to link the ratification to the Nagorno-Karabakh problem.
