In the frames of Pan-Armenian tour, RA President Serzh Sargsyan met with the Diaspora representatives of the Canada and U.S. Eastern cost in New York. Nagorno-Karabakh Former President and RA Ambassador-at-Large Arkadi Ghukasyan, the VP of Hayastan fund Board of Trustees Gagik Harutyunyan, as well as Diaspora Minister Hranush Hakobyan participated.

Commenting on Armenian-Turkish relations, Sargsyan underlined that Armenia advances in the establishment of relations with Turkey without any preconditions. “I consider that we gained maximum for the time being,” he said in response to the statement whether it was possible to elaborate pro-Armenian document more thoroughly.

Sargsyan stated that after August 2008 war (in South Ossetia) new situation established in the region that to some extent conduced to Armenia-Turkey dialogue progress. It was dawned to everyone what threats unsettled conflicts can fraught, particular to the security of the peaceful and prosperous future of the nations. RA President is certain, that Armenia-Turkey reconciliation will assist the reduction of overall tension in the region and creation of confidence. Speaking of the border opening consequences, Sargsyan emphasized the appropriate services carried out research on the issue and the work in some directions is underway. The President noted it is impossible to forecast all risks and challenges of the potential scenario development. Emphasizing that many people voice concern about the situation, President reminded of the fear expressed in the period when “we voted for Armenia’s independence.” “Back then many apprehended the Armenia’s future. Same with our struggle for NKR self-determination, when not all counts were made and fears were there. However we believed in our objectives and succeeded,” Sargsyan pointed out.

The President finds concerns over Turkey’s economic expansion after border opening groundless, stating that Armenia has sufficient techniques and mechanisms, including legislative ones to tackle these problems.

According to him, the Genocide will not be discussed in the context of Armenia-Turkey rapprochement. “The only matter of a possible discussion related to Genocide is how to help Turkish people to be more impartial towards their history, in particular how to overcome Genocide consequences,” Sargsyan stated.

Regardless of the Protocols’ content, participants were unanimous that Diaspora should back Artsakh and Armenia. President resumed, what matters is that we managed to reach a consensus at this critical moment. “I believe in Armenia’s bright future, as I see the right path through,” Serzh Sargsyan concluded, calling on Diaspora to support firm steps of the Motherland.