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Armenian-Turkish Protocols: Hope Not Lost

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  • Armenian-Turkish Protocols: Hope Not Lost

    ARMENIAN-TURKISH PROTOCOLS: HOPE NOT LOST

    news.am
    Sept 1 2010
    Armenia

    The Armenian-Turkish protocols remain the cornerstone of the
    normalization process, Ara Gochunyam, Editor-in-Chief of the
    Turkey-based Armenian newspaper Zhamanak, told NEWS.am.

    No serious positive changes should be expected in the Armenian-Turkish
    process in the near future. "I do not think the situation can radically
    change in the foreseeable future. May be by the year 2015, provided
    the international approach to the Armenian Cause undergoes certain
    changes and Turkey runs the risk of playing it as its last trump card,"
    he said.

    In the context of Armenian-Turkish reconciliation, Gochunyan emphasizes
    the Nagorno-Karabakh problem. Both Armenia and Azerbaijan are Turkey's
    neighbors, and the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has its indirect
    influence. "One region, and one problem influencing the general
    situation. Turkey does not want to disturb the fragile balance in the
    South Caucasus not does it want the pendulum to swing in Armenia's
    favor," he said.

    As to what the sides have to do to make progress in improving the
    Armenian-Turkish relations, Gochukyan pointed out that the sides will
    not have the zeal to carry the process through. "I do not say which
    side is to blame nor do I point to the causes. I just say both the
    sides are not so enthusiastic now, and I do not see ways of settling
    the problem as soon as possible now," the journalist said.

    Responding to the same question, Aris Nalci, Editor of the
    Istanbul-based Agos newspaper, said that public figures should deal
    with the problem.

    "Non-governmental organizations have lately intensified their
    activities. They organize cultural events, different meetings and
    conferences, elaborate joint projects. All this facilitates contacts.

    Business circles are more active. Several Turkish companies asked me
    recently to find an Armenian ready for cooperation. It has been the
    first time. It is important that culture press politics, that public
    figures press diplomats. Then the things may get going," Nalci said.

    He also pointed out that many expectations were not fulfilled.

    However, there is a hope. "Culture and diplomacy are two parallels.

    But, instead of harmoniously developing, one of them, diplomacy,
    is behind," Nalci said.

    He believes diplomats are right in that the two nations are not yet
    ready for such a step. "It mainly concerns Turkey. Still, there is
    progress. In the 21st century I cannot explain to my son why Turkey
    is not 'on speaking terms' with its neighbor. There are opportunities,
    which have to be used - step by step," Nalci said.

    A year ago, on August 31 night, 2009, the Armenian, Turkish and Swiss
    foreign offices announced the initialing of two Armenian-Turkish
    protocols on establishing diplomatic ties and developing bilateral
    relations. The protocols set reasonable timeframes for improving
    the bilateral relations. Last October the protocols were signed
    inaugurating the ratification process. This April, RA President Sezh
    Sargsyan suspended the ratification process because of official
    Ankara's nonconstructive position Specifically, the Turkish side
    tries to link the ratification to the Nagorno-Karabakh problem.




    From: A. Papazian
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