The word “monstrous” used by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan to describe “Monument of Humanity” to Armenia-Turkey friendship, was an expression of his taste, Director of CIS Institute in Armenia, political scientist Alexander Margarov told NEWS.am.
“Maybe the Prime Minister’s taste simply does not allow such a monument to stand in Kars. Certainly, measures could be taken to improve the monument, rather than demolish it. If we refer to his statement from an aesthetic point of view, it may be so. Erdogan should have displayed political tolerance and advised to carry out work aimed at improving the monument,” the expert said.
As for some experts who consider Erdogan’s decision on demolition of the “monstrous” monument is conditioned by gaining the votes of Azerbaijani population of Kars, Margarov stressed such point of view is also possible. “However, I do not think Erdogan may get votes of Azerbaijanis destroying the monument. Political leaders get votes and dividends in the elections not only by single actions, but also long-term programs aimed at socio-economic development of the region.
According to the political scientist, no critical changes are expected in Armenia-Turkey normalization process till parliamentary elections in Turkey, scheduled for July 2011. However, the issue will remain on the agenda, Margarov stressed.
As NEWS.am reported previously, the sculptor of the monument Mehmed Aksol also gave a critical response to Erdogan’s statement. According to him, Erdogan will be similar to Taliban if he destroys the monument to peace. “What explanation will be given to the world if the monument to humanity and peace is ruined? Erdogan will become the first prime minister, who will destroy a monument to peace,” Askol stressed.
Former Mayor of Kars Naif Alibeyoglu has always stood for the opening of the Armenia-Turkey border without any preconditions and for this purpose organized a collection of signature in Kars. On his initiative, a large monument was put to represent the Armenian-Turkish friendship and peace. However, Alibeyoglu was defeated in the mayoral elections in 2009. The unfinished monument was put near the old Armenian district of Kars.
