November 4, 2009 - 19:06 AMT
Armenian-Turkish relations not to become burden for new generation
Armenian nation has experienced a lot of hardships, but the one the country is facing now is the most complicated, United Communist Party leader Yuri Manukyan told a press conference in Yerevan, commenting upon RA-Turkish rapprochement process. "We cannot transfer such heavy burden to the next generation. So if we do not settle the problem now, when are we expected to do it? " Manukyan noted.

In his view, opening of RA-Turkish border will positively affect Armenia's economic and tourism spheres.

Highly appreciating Serzh Sargsyan's role in Armenian-Turkish normalization process, he noted that President Sargyan does not imitate the process, as did his predecessors. "Those who live in Armenia should support President's initiatives, " Manukyan said.

Armenian side, according to him, should follow Turkey's steps. "If Turkish Parliament ratifies Protocols, we'll act likewise, if not, we won't ratify them either."

Touching on Karabakh conflict settlement, Manukyan mentioned that NKR's de facto status was determined long ago and the only problem was jure recognition.