By 26 out of 36 votes the RA Public Council (PCA) voted in favor of signing the Armenian-Turkish Protocols on establishing diplomatic relations and developing bilateral relations with Turkey. At a meeting on the Armenian-Turkish Protocols chaired by RA President Serzh Sargsyan, Council Chairman Vazgen Manukyan pointed out that the Council voted for the protocols with only two abstentions and six absentees. Manukyan reported that the Council plans to complete its draft resolution on the Armenian-Turkish Protocols in two days.

Addressing the attendees, the Armenian President pointed out that he was well informed of the discussions held by the Council’s committees and subcommittees and it is time now to sum them up to know the opinion the 1,700 Council members, as well as the public at large, have on the documents.

The Council Chairman stressed that almost all the Council members pronounce for the reopening of the Armenian-Turkish border and establishment of diplomatic relations. On the other hand, many of them voiced fears of possible negative consequences, namely, economic and demographic expansion. Manukyan also stressed that most of the Council members asked questions about whether the documents contain any preconditions or not.

Presenting his viewpoint, he said that by insisting on the formation of a scientific commission Turkey was pursuing the following aims: driving a wedge between Armenia and the Armenian Diaspora; delaying the process international recognition of the Armenian Genocide; and calm down the passions inside the country.

“Of course, insisting on that point Turkey did not even think that the Armenian Genocide would thus be called in question. Turkish scholars will certainly try to start discussions on the issue, but the resolutions officially recognizing the Armenian Genocide adopted by 22 countries are impossible to undo,” Manukyan said.

He pointed out that some of the Council members believe the discussion of the issue by the subcommittee is supposed to better inform the international community and the Turkish people of the historical facts.

“As regards Nagorno-Karabakh, this issue has nothing in common with the Armenian-Turkish Protocols. Many say that the principle of nations’ right to self-determination should have been incorporated in the documents along with that of territorial integrity. However, we would have artificially drawn the attention to the Nagorno-Karabakh problem,” Manukyan said. Nonetheless, he pointed out fears of the superpowers’ possible pressure on the parties to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

The RA Public Council Chairman also said that the Protocols can be suspended at any moment in case Turkey refuses to honor them. “We embarked on a most difficult way, but we have potential to pass it. To stem the tide of protest against the documents, the Armenian authorities must faithfully promise consistency in the matter of international recognition of the Armenian Genocide. In any case, any document may arouse doubts. We all think Turkey has gained, but everything will change after the protocols are ratified, I am sure,” Manukyan said.