Normalization process of the Armenian-Turkish relations initially had 2 outcomes: either relations are established, borders are open, the sides start speaking of the problems, or achieve no result. They, say negative result is a result as well, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan said in an interview with “Echo of Moscow” radio station, adding that he is pondering on the problem regardless of results.
“All our friends told us people interested in solution of the problem cannot understand who does not want this decision to be made. For all Armenians it is clear that the solution depends on Turkey,” he stressed, saying the matter is not Turkey’s recognition of the Armenian Genocide.
“In the context of lack of any relations, part of the world community accused Armenia, saying Armenians live only looking to the past. There was a genocide and presently Armenians set a precondition: recognize the Genocide and we will establish relations. It caused certain difficulties. In fact Armenian leadership and Armenians found strength to come into contact with Turks without preconditions. Whether we managed to do it or no, it is another thing. As to preconditions, we had more moral, political, legal rights to set preconditions,” Serzh Sargsyn recalled.
He noted that at first everything was smooth and no preconditions were mentioned. However, in March 2009 Turks started speaking of certain preconditions. U.S. President Barack Obama visited Istanbul in early April. Following his departure Turkish PM mentioned concessions in the Karabakh peace process and other preconditions, the Armenian leader said. “It was unacceptable to Armenia. We constantly stated Turks do not want treaty to be signed and relations to be established. The protocols were signed in the presence of Russian and French foreign ministers, U.S. Secretary of State and the EU representatives. The documents had to be ratified in the Turkish parliaments and later in the Armenian National Assembly. Thereafter, Turks started claiming they have no opportunity to ratify the accords,” President Sargsyan said. He stressed that such conduct displayed by Turkey urged to suspend ratification process in the Armenian Parliament.
Speaking about the future of the suspended process, Serzh Sargsyan said it would become possible only after Turkey ratifies the documents without any preconditions.
“There are international commitments, the signed protocols should be ratified and implemented. We are not ready for new talks and are not ready to amend the documents unilaterally. I do not see any sense in starting new talks. What should we speak about? Turks will set preconditions, whereas we will say they are unacceptable? It is senseless. The only continuation may be ratification by the Turkish side. If it continues like this, the only way out for us, probably, will be just to withdraw our signature from the documents. In this case even ratified by Turkey the protocols will have no effect,” he stated.
The Armenian leader emphasized even now when the ball is in Turkey’s court, they are trying to interfere with the Karabakh peace process, speaking of leading role in the region and neo-otomanism. Only a country having no problems with others can be a leader in the region, he added. “Turkey-declared policy of zero problems is aimed at finding solutions advantageous to Turks. The Armenian side realizes that Turkey is a large country, a G20 member, we understand it. However, it does not mean Turks should be our tutors. Turkey is not one who should tell us what to do. If they want to influence certain regional processes they should adopt constructive approach. What do they mean by saying neo-osmaism? People who are familiar with the history perceive it just as descendants of those killed in concentration camps perceive remarks about the purity of the Aryan race. They can tell their people whatever they want. Such statements and claims for leadership, it is unacceptable to us,” President concluded.
