The process initiated by our sincere offer to normalize relations with Turkey, albeit through small steps, quickly came to a halt, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan said today speaking at the House of Representatives of Cyprus. According to him, Turkey destroyed it with its inconsistent posture, contradictory statements, and baseless manipulation of the process. President Sargsyan noted that Turkey stepped back from its commitments and not only failed to ratify the signed protocols, but also returned to its pre-normalization position.

“Our efforts and the efforts of our colleagues actively engaged in the process faced the wall of preconditions. Should preconditions be set, then we had considerably more moral and legal grounds for presenting preconditions. We did, however, find the strength to overcome all psychological obstacles and to move forward. We do have many problems with Turkey, including, first and foremost, the problem related to the recognition of the Armenian Genocide. However, instead of setting preconditions, we opted for a dialogue as a civilized way for resolving problems,” the Armenian leader said, stressing that we must face the truth.

“Turkey today aspires to become a regional leader by conducting a so-called “New Ottomanism” policy. However, regional leadership implies a responsible approach and a responsible way of thinking, rather than practices of coercion or dictate. What did the Ottoman Empire bring to the peoples under its yoke other than massacres, oppression, and tyranny? Does anyone miss Ottomanism, providing a reason to deliver a “New Ottomanism”?

And what does the “zero problems with the neighbors” policy mean? Does it mean that all neighbors should obediently do what Turkey wants them to do and satisfy Turkey’s preconditions? There are probably neighbors for whom it is quite beneficial, but we are certainly not among them. The country which since Armenia’s independence has upon different pretexts closed the border and is trying to blackmail my people may not aspire for regional leadership.

We consider ourselves bearers of the European values and a member of the European family. Armenia is currently implementing wide-scale reforms with the significant support of the European structures. We are greatly interested in having neighbors committed to the democratic and European values, neighbors that resolve issues by means of dialogue and negotiations, rather than threats. We hope that Turkey will understand and appreciate the importance of these values for its own stability, development, and prosperity,” Serzh Sargsyan stated.