RA President’s statement on suspension of Protocols’ ratification might be viewed as an intelligent and smart move, but Armenian society once again faced conflict between ruling coalition’s conduct and words, Heritage party leader Raffi Hovannisian told journalists.

“President’s statement was very convincing, but the fact that Yerevan’s signature is still under the Protocols, which means we reconciled to Genocide and recognize current borders with Turkey,” said Hovannisian, stressing that Protocols should not be accepted in any form, as having preconditions on Genocide and Karabakh peace process. He also noted that initially Armenia made a mistake getting involved in the process that is fully in Turkey’s interests. “President’s statement proves that authorities realized their neglect and now try to correct it,” he stated, adding that at this conjuncture, president’s moves are statesmanlike, though good strategist would not have occurred in such a deplorable situation.

Hovannisian emphasized that after Sargsyan’s statement, Armenia should withdraw signature from the Protocols and launch a new process with Turkey based on establishment of bilateral relations and border opening. “If Ankara and Baku reattempt laying down preconditions we will give adequate response and set forth preconditions in return of Western Armenia occupied by Turkey, as well as Nakhchivan, Getashen, Martunashen, Shahumyan and Artsvashen — by Azerbaijan. However, Armenian authorities need feasible support of nation to put forward the mentioned issues in the international scene. These are two possible ways, while the third one, being carried out today, leads to a deadlock,” he said.

According to him, President’s statement formed new situation that can be overcome either by new elections or structural reforms, though neither leadership, nor opposition displays political will for their implementation.

He considers that Sargsyan’s decision was agreed with world actors and time-out in Armenia-Turkey reconciliation was taken purposely. “Turkey will come back to the talks in a while, presenting its move as a major concession, thereafter we will see intensification in Karabakh process. Yesterday’s statement by OSCE MG Co-Chairs was not a coincidence,” Hovannisian stated. He deems that Karabakh conflict settlement and Armenia-Turkey reconciliation are interrelated, despite opposite assertions of Armenian side and international mediators.

A.G.