The signing of Armenia-Turkey protocols as expected has not triggered disorders in Armenia’s internal politics. Of course the politicians differently commented on the over 3-hour delayed signing ceremony and said nothing new. Representatives of ruling parties and leading media try to make a hero of RA Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandyan, whereas, the opponents insist national interests were betrayed.

Turkish official statements after the signing (directly linking the Armenia-Turkey normalization with the Karabakh issue) provoked Armenian party's return warnings, including those on the highest level. Putting aside that the world key players will not let the process be put to complete rout, there is much in common in approaches of the two sides. Both Armenia and Turkey are focused first – on the tireless internal audience (mostly concerns Armenia) and the “younger brother” Azerbaijan (in case of Turkey), and, second – on the international mediators, where the sides strive to push more beneficial details for future agreement.

As concerns Armenian opposition, it brought no surprises. Raffi Hovhnnisian’s “Heritage” party has finally openly called for resignation of the President, whereas ARF Dashnaktsutyun getting ready for the Friday protest rally has not yet done so. However, the leading opposition force Armenian National Congress (ANC) having radically condemned the signing of the Protocols enjoys the break.

It is becoming apparent that the triggered concerns felt short to aggravate internal political situation in Armenia. Despite RA President’s arguments, people in Armenia still tend to the opinion that unreasonable concessions in Nagorno-Karabakh issue will be the cost for Armenia-Turkey normalization. As the saying goes “A peasant needs thunder to cross himself and wonder”, the public is waiting for dramatic signs in the Karabakh peace process only then ANC, electorate and the whole Armenian community would rise in protest.

Ivan Gharibyan