By signing the Armenian-Turkish protocols Armenia recognize the modern-day Armenian-Turkish border and agreed to discuss the issues of the Armenian Genocide with Turkey, Karapet Rubinyan of the opposition Armenian National Congress (ANC) told a press conference.

He stressed that Yerevan showed its willingness for Armenian-Turkish reconciliation and for concession even on most important issues. He pointed out one positive point in the Armenian-Turkish reconciliation, saying: “As a state ready to establish a contact with Turkey, we have been able to know about its intentions.”

Rafik Petrosyan of the Republican Party of Armenia holds an opposite opinion. He does not see anything in the Armenian-Turkish reconciliation that might have unfavorable consequences for Armenia. According to him, it was Turkey that failed the process, and the Armenian President’s activities created legal underpinnings for further Armenian-Turkish reconciliation. He also pointed out that Armenia and the Armenian Diaspora have united, as the Diaspora was convinced that the Armenian Genocide is an issue Armenia is concerned over as well. “Moreover, we have seen the Diaspora is supportive of Armenian-Turkish reconciliation as well,” he said.

T.P.