Hayk Demoyan: first stage of Armenian-Turkish process completed

May 6, 2010 - 14:08 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - The first stage of the Armenian-Turkish process is completed, Director of Armenian Genocide Museum & Institute said.

“The dialogue failed because of Turkey, which preferred not to spoil relations with Azerbaijan but couldn’t suspend the process of international recognition of the Armenian Genocide or make Armenia compromise over the Karabakh issue,” Hayk Demoyan told journalists in Yerevan on May 6.

“A new normalization process should begin with opening of the Armenian-Turkish border and establishment of diplomatic relations. However, it cannot be based on the Protocols signed in Zurich in October 2009,” he said.

As to Turkey’s claims to Nakhijevan, Mr. Demoyan said these are groundless. “Turkey and Armenia have equal rights to Nakhijevan, since the Treaty of Kars determining the fate of the autonomy was signed by the Armenian SSR, Azerbaijan SSR and Turkey. “Viewing Turkey’s claims as violation of international agreements, Armenia can address to the International Court,” he said.

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.