RA President Serzh Sargsyan’s interview with Al Jazeera given in the frames of his visit to UK, February 9-11, 2010.

Q.: Mr. President, what will follow the ratification of Armenia-Turkey Protocols by both countries’ parliaments and what “happy end” you want the process to reach?

A.: The Protocols are in my office and on return I am going to send them to the RA National Assembly for ratification. Both for us and everyone Turks’ statements that Armenian side protracts the ratification are questionable. Conversely, it is them who do so.

Q.: Do Turks protract the ratification?

A.: Yes, explicitly, as we have stated and last time as a head of ruling party dominating in the parliament I voiced this statement yesterday, I rule out the possibility that RA Parliament fails to ratify the Protocols if Turks ratify them without preconditions.

Q.: Mr. President, what is the next step after the ratification by both sides so that the process will be finalized and relations between the countries will be settled?

A.: After the Protocols’ ratification and their entry into force the border should open, an intergovernmental commission should be formed with its sub-commissions and we will open the dialogue. That is ratification is a beginning of the process, not the end.

Q.: Border opening for you is crucial from commercial and new vistas’ viewpoint. In your opinion, whether border opening is significant for other states, like Russia and U.S.?

A.: I believe so. And here is why Russia, U.S. and EU assist the process, as it’s not about border opening only, but of the establishment of relations.

Q.: Do you plan to expand ties with Russia and U.S. being between those powers?

A: Armenia has good relations with Russian Federation, we are strategic partners and presented jointly in many organizations and our ties are deepening. Meanwhile, we are on friendly terms also with the U.S., where we have a large community that serves as a bridge between Yerevan and Washington. To us, favorable state of affairs is having good relations between Russia and the U.S.

Q.: You’ve rightfully mentioned that Armenians are spread throughout the world. Many migrated to maintain their families. Do you plan to get them back to Armenia in any way?

A.: Yes, both Armenians migrated from the country after its independence and those spread all over the globe after the Genocide in Ottoman Turkey assist their families and our economy. Armenians of Diaspora always aid and support us. According to our estimates, over 10 million Armenians reside throughout the world, of which 3 million – in Armenia. And would be happy to have the rest 7 million back to motherland. At that we realize that it is unlikely. Our goal is to have at least those born in Armenia be back.

Q.: What would you say to the U.S. President who stated “U.S. deserves a leader who can tell the truth about Armenian Genocide and justly respond to all genocides. I am going to be that leader.” These are Barack Obama’s words. Does he do so? Is he that President?

A.: He did respond, not to the extent he pledged before assuming the office. But he literally said that did not change his stance on the matter.

Q.: That is you keep hoping for his assistance?

A.: Well, if saying the word “genocide” is taken as assistance, you can say so. I reckon that speaking of the truth is the admission of justice.

Q.: Would you like him to say that word?

A.: Definitely.