Arman Melikyan does not rule out Obama’s using the term Genocide

March 16, 2010 - 14:21 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - Former Foreign Minister of NKR, Arman Melikyan did not rule out US President Barack Obama’s using the term Genocide in his April 24 annual address to American Armenian community.

“Obama’s using the term Genocide is more probable than US Congress recognizing it,” Arman Melikyan told a news conference in Yerevan

As he noted, presidential address has no legal force in contrast to US Congress resolution.

“US’ actions can exacerbate the situation, leading to strengthening of Russia-Turkey relations, which will, in turn, negatively affect our interest in Karabakh conflict,” he noted.

“Russia’s attempts at promoting Protocols ratification will spell Armenia’s missing a number of possibilities. Protocols ratification will create a situation similar to that caused by Kars Treaty, which I believe is linked to Protocols. Also, Armenian authorities might be the first to ratify Protocols, so as to demonstrate their adherence to promises given. Turkey, though, will ratify Protocols whenever it finds suitable,” Arman Melikyan concluded.

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.