Rapprochement protocols might serve Armenia’s interests, according to Republic party board member Suren Surenyants.

“I believe, Armenia’s political system might see significant progress in case of Armenia-Turkey border opening. However, presidential statement on suspension of Protocols ratification put an end to any possibility of progress; no excessive intellectual potential being necessary to preserve power.”

Surenyants characterized presidential statement on ratification suspension as unjustified move, fraught with negative consequences for Armenia. “According to Turkish Foreign Minister, Karabakh conflict settlement will be the main issue on the agenda of his oncoming visit to Russia. Clearly, Armenia will not be involved in Turkey-Russia negotiations on the issue,” he emphasized.

Dwelling on international recognition of Genocide, Surenyants noted it would be more reasonable if the issue was withdrawn from Armenia’s foreign policy agenda. “Currently, the issue has become, with our permission, an object for superpowers to gamble with,” he said. Commenting on the role of Russia in regional issues, Surenyants noted that Russia has to maintain status quo to retain its influence. “Armenian authorities must consider requesting withdrawal of Russian military bases from RA, our safety guarantor being not Russian military men, but normalizing ties with our neighbors.”

As for internal political issues, Surenyants stated that in case of early elections, ANC will come out in a united front; in case of regular elections, participation of separate political forces within ANC can’t be ruled out.

When questioned by reporters on the failure of ANC to raise the issue of violation of Javahk Armenians rights in Georgia, he responded that the opposition should first of all struggle to get the problems inside Armenia solved. “The issue of Javahk Armenians rights can be resolved through their integration and Georgia’s democratization,” he stated.