Ahmet Davutoglu: Third countries should not interfere in Armenian-Turkish process

March 5, 2010 - 18:16 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - Turkey continues opposing the Armenian Genocide Resolution 252, adopted by the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs. In this connection the Turkey's Minister of Foreign Affairs Ahmet Davutoglu made a statement.

"The process of normalization between the two countries is possible through negotiations. Third party's intervention in Armenia-Turkey relations complicates the process," Davutoglu stressed. "Turkey will not make decisions being under pressure. Yesterday's decision has not only slowed the process of normalization, but we have run the risk of its suspension. Such solutions can not lead to any move, " Davutoglu said.

"Why only the issue of Armenia-Turkey peace is discussed? Our American and Western friends should reflect over this. It is simple and clear question: peace between Turkey and Armenia is discussed. We ask them directly: whether they want the peace? Let them answer this question, " foreign minister of Turkey said.

On March 4 the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs adopted Armenian Genocide resolution (H.Res.252) by 23 votes “n favour”and with 22 votes "against". After the vote in the appropriate committee, the resolution will be sent to the House of Representatives for a final vote.

The Armenian Genocide resolution

The resolution affirming the U.S. record on the Armenian Genocide (H.Res.252) was formally introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Reps. Adam Schiff (D.-CA), George Radanovich (R.-CA), Frank Pallone, Jr. (D.-NJ), and Mark Kirk (R.-Ill). On March 4, 2010 it was adopted with a 22-21 vote by the House Committee on Foreign Relations. A similar resolution was introduced in the Senate.

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.