Artak Shakaryan: key to reconciliation is in the hands of Armenian and Turkish societies

March 31, 2010 - 17:11 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - The visit of Turkish experts and high ranking officials to Armenia to participate in RA-Turkey expert discussions proved that neither side had any idea of another’s expectations, expert Artak Shakaryan said.

As he told a news conference in Yerevan, before visiting Armenia, Turkish experts used to believe Armenians’ couldn’t wait for the opening of the border with Turkey. They made sure of the opposite, having been given a chance to communicate with Armenia’s representatives. “Armenia spoke of the necessity to open the border, at the same time emphasizing the importance of acknowledging the Armenian Genocide. Rapprochement issue can’t be resolved by either of two countries; Armenian and Turkish societies must be the ones to find a solution,’ Armenian expert said.

As he noted, Armenian side indents to pay a return visit to Istanbul and Ankara to meet with representatives of Turkish elite. “The key to reconciliation is in the hands of Armenian and Turkish societies,” Artak Shakaryan stressed.

In July-August 2010, Eurasia collaboration fund will open a summer school for journalists, where students will be familiarized with the position of Turkish parties on Armenian Genocide recognition, as well as their perception of Armenia, the expert stated.

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.