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Armenia Denies Clinton Remarks On 'Historical Commission'

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  • Armenia Denies Clinton Remarks On 'Historical Commission'

    ARMENIA DENIES CLINTON REMARKS ON 'HISTORICAL COMMISSION'

    http://www.armenianweekly.com/2010/03 /24/armenia-denies-clinton-remarks-on-%e2%80%98his torical-commission%e2%80%99/
    Wed, Mar 24 2010

    YEREVAN-On Tues,. March 23, the Armenian Foreign Ministry countered
    earlier statements by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton that the
    process to create a "historical commission"-as envisioned by the
    Armenia-Turkey protocols-had already begun.

    Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tigran Balayan said that the creation of
    a historical commission cannot happen without first the ratification
    of the protocols by the parliaments of Turkey and Armenia.

    During an interview in Moscow and in response to a question on
    whether President Barack Obama had abandoned his campaign promise
    to recognize the Armenian Genocide, Clinton said, "I don't think
    anyone has forgotten, but what has happened that is of great import
    is the work going on between Turkey and Armenia. In fact, I was
    in Zurich last fall with the foreign ministers of Turkey, Armenia,
    Russia, France, other countries, to witness the signing of a set of
    protocols to normalize relationships between Armenia and Turkey. And
    in those protocols, there was an agreement between the two countries
    to establish a historical commission that would look at all of the
    issues that are part of the past."

    "And I think that's the right way to go, I think, to have the two
    countries and the two peoples focusing on this themselves. I have
    said many times we cannot change the past we inherit. All we can do
    is try to have a better future," she added.

    When asked whether the commission exists, Clinton said, "They're
    working to create it," and reaffirmed the creation upon further
    inquiry.

    "Not until the protocols are ratified will steps envisioning the
    normalization of relations and the opening of the Armenia-Turkey
    border be taken," Balayan told Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty
    Armenia service.

    He added that the Armenian Genocide issue was not a matter up for
    discussion.

    "As has been said on numerous occasions by the country's president
    and foreign minister, the veracity of the genocide is not a topic of
    discussion. Armenia hasn't discussed, nor will discuss, the veracity
    of the genocide," he added.
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