The ruling RPA representative is expecting for specific steps, but if Turkey wants a new process of reconciliation, the political scientist rejects it
“I am not against normalization of the Armenian-Turkish relationship. But, what Davutoğlu meant, to return to the protocols, or, he is suggesting something new. He should open the brackets. If Turkey says that there is a chance to recover the process, yes, it is very easy chance, the Turkish Parliament ratifies the protocol, it automatically means the beginning of the process, which implies opening of the Armenian-Turkish border,” said the leader of “Globalization and regional Cooperation” NGO Stepan Grigoryan, in the interview with Aravot. Recall that recently Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu also spoke about “inhuman” sufferings of Armenians in 1915, and had called Turkey and Armenia for dialogue. In the article published in the British “The Guardian” newspaper, on Saturday, Davutoğlu had expressed an opinion that the unprecedented statement made by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on April 23, with which the latter had conveyed condolences on behalf of the Turkish state to the grandchildren of Armenians “who had lost their lives in the beginning of the 20th century,” such dialogue provides a unique opportunity. Davutoğlu, however, did not say a word about willingness of Ankara to recognize the Armenian Genocide. In his article, Davutoğlu had added that Ankara now sees the “chance to resume the missed opportunity of reconciliation and cooperation in 2009.” “Prime Minister Erdoğan’s statement on this was unprecedented and a bold step,” said the Head of Turkish foreign minister.
“I think that the Genocide recognition issue should be separated from the ones on improving the Armenian-Turkish relationships, establishing diplomatic relations, and opening the borders. Genocide issue is a very important and political issue, but, nevertheless, it is in the historical field,” said Stepan Grigoryan, adding that the recent statements voiced by the Turkish leadership, in his opinion, are directly related to the Genocide recognition process. “Since one year is left to the 100th anniversary of Genocide, it is obvious that many countries would recognize this fact, which will be involuntary from the willingness and of the Diaspora and RA authorities and steps undertaken. Turkey’s policy of recent year has brought it to the fact that the relations with all its neighbors have been aggravated.
In general, most people are not happy with the fact that Turkey is becoming strong, and it is obvious that these countries: Israel, Egypt, Syria and a number of European countries, will use the recognition of Genocide against Turkey, even if Armenia and the Diaspora do not make efforts.” Stepan Grigoryan assures that Turkey is trying to go for some steps by understanding the situation. He also notes that instead of taking counteractions, Turkey would be more reasonable if it ratifies the protocols, thereby significantly reducing the tension.
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To our question of how the official Yerevan must respond to this initiative of Turkey, Stepan Grigoryan said that Yerevan must demand clarity from Turkey. If Turkey takes the way to ratify the protocols, that’ fine. But if it comes to the new Armenia-Turkish process, then the political scientist is confident that it will only hinder the recognition of Genocide. “The world will say, you agreed with the new process, then wait. If Turkey wants a new process, then it should be rejected.” The ruling RPA party representative Hovhannes Sahakyan reminds that the Armenian-Turkish reconciliation process is suspended by only Turkey’s efforts, so, “All of this is among counteractions of Turkey associated with the 100th anniversary of the Genocide. Turkey, I think, is demonstrating a certain caution and is taking preparatory steps to at least somewhat mitigate the charges addressed to them from various platforms.” Our interlocutor does not want to make predictions regarding the potential developments since we are well aware of the Turkish diplomacy and practice. “A Genocide took place in 1915, millions of Armenians were displaced from their homes and today they are scattered throughout the world. And there is one fact, denial has become one of the main directions of Turkey’s foreign policy. If specific steps are made and not political statements, we will be glad to consider them.”
NELLY GRIGORYAN
