EX FOREIGN MINISTER CONSIDERS NORMAL RELATIONS WITH TURKEY AS CRUCIAL FOR
CONSOLIDATION OF ARMENIAN INDEPENDENCE
YEREVAN, June 4 (Noyan Tapan). A seminar devoted to the possibility
of opening Armenian-Turkish border, the situation in the region,
as well as the discussion of the possible prospects of relations
between Turkey and Armenia was organized with the initiative of the
Union of Young Conservatives on June 4. Ex-foreign minister of Armenia
Alexander Arzumanian said in his speech that the issue of the Genocide
must occupy its peculiar place in Armenian-Turkish relations but it
must not be the basis for bilateral relations.
According to him, first of all it is necessary to establish normal
relations with Turkey, including trade ones. The ex-minister said
implementation of different programs, including exchange ones, will
create a corresponding atmosphere in Turkish society and, hence, will
contribute to the discussion of the Armenian Genocide. Arzumanian
believes we must first of all demand that Turkey recognize the
Genocide: “When other countries recognize the Genocide we hail the fact
but only Turkey’s recognition will remove the gap in Armenian-Turkish
relations.”
In connection with the issue of Armenia’s European integration,
Arzumanian said efforts will be more effective if Armenia supports
the process of Turkey’s membership in the European Union. Alexander
Arzumanian stressed the necessity of working out a normal modus
of relations. Establishment of normal relations with Turkey, he
believes, is the most important factor for the consolidation of
Armenia’s independence.
“As a citizen of Armenia, it hurts me to hear that Armenia is Russia’s
advanced post in the region. We needn’t become the executor of the
will of this or any other country, moroever that Russia, as it did
in the past, is abandoning us,” he stated.