AKP: process of normalization of relations between Turkey and Armenia has not died

March 31, 2010 - 12:06 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - Deputy chairman of Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) Suat Kinikoglu said that he may meet with Armenian diaspora representatives in Washington during his visit to the United States in April.

“We need to work for ‘honest recollections’. Armenian resolutions that are passed by the parliaments of some countries weaken the will for normalization of relations," he told Star newspaper.

The process of normalization of relations between Turkey and Armenia ‘has not died but there is a need for confirmation of trust between two countries through a cultural dialogue, according to Kinikoglu.

“I am thinking of meeting with Armenian diaspora in United States during my visit to Washington. In the end, they are the sons of our land too. We have many things in common," he said, adding that the U.S. understands Turkey's concerns.

The Armenian-Turkish Protocols

The Protocols aimed at normalization of bilateral ties and opening of the border between Armenia and Turkey were signed in Zurich by Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian and his Turkish counterpart Ahmet Davutoglu on October 10, 2009, after a series of diplomatic talks held through Swiss mediation.

On January 12, 2010, the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Armenia found the protocols conformable to the country’s Organic Law.

Commenting on the CC ruling, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that “it contains preconditions and restrictive provisions which impair the letter and spirit of the Protocols.” ”The decision undermines the very reason for negotiating these Protocols as well as their fundamental objective. This approach cannot be accepted on our part. Turkey, in line with its accustomed allegiance to its international commitments, maintains its adherence to the primary provisions of these Protocols. We expect the same allegiance from the Armenian government,” the Ministry said.