The ARF Dashnaktsutyun never opposed normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations, an ARFD Bureau member said.

“It’s a long process consisting of three stages. First, it should be establishment of diplomatic relations and opening of the border. Second stage could imply discussion of urgent problems. Then, the sides would be able to sign some agreements,” Vahan Hovhannisyan said during a meeting with Villeurbanne Mayor Jean-Paul Bret.

“Turkey managed to combine all these stages in one and it was Armenia’s diplomatic failure. We are hopeful that our diplomats will correct this mistake,” he said.

At the same time, Mr. Hovhannisyan noted that the Armenian-Turkish process awakened Armenian mentality. “Political forces speak not only of the necessity of recognition of the Armenian Genocide but also of compensation for its consequences,” he said.

Mr. Bret said for his part that dragging out the process of ratification of Protocols on normalization of relations, Turkey has badly damaged its international image. “Turkey seems to screen its secret policy by these Protocols,” he said.

He also informed that a delegation led by him will be visiting Nagorno Karabakh on May 2 and 3, while a meeting with Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian is scheduled for May 4.