RPA: Armenian-Turkish normalization process gets irreversible

April 15, 2010 - 13:09 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - The process of Armenian-Turkish rapprochement has already got irreversible and the situation will persist, no matter the protocols are ratified or not, according to Galust Sahakyan, head of RPA parliamentary group.

“In my opinion, the Armenian-Turkish border can be opened before ratification of protocols,” Mr. Sahakyan told a press conference in Yerevan.

Asked to comment whether Armenia can withdraw its signature from the protocols, he said that “when the time comes and if necessary, Armenia will do so.”

Yet, he described RA President Serzh Sargsyan’s visit to Washington as very fruitful. “The visit united the Armenianhood and I think that now our nation is united as never,” Mr. Sahakyan said.

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.