A. RUSTAMYAN: ARMENIA – KARABAKH INDEPENDENCE AND SECURITY GUARANTOR

Pan Armenian News
22.09.2005 05:37

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The International Relations Commission of the US
House passing two Armenian Genocide Resolutions will play a key role
in solving the issue of international recognition of the Genocide,
Stated Chairman of the Parliamentary Commission for Foreign Issues
Armen Rustamyan. In his words, Turkish society is not ready to
recognize the fact of the Genocide.

This is due to the inactivity of Turkish authorities, who at the
same time distort facts, Rustamyan said. Thereupon, he noted he sees
two options for solving the issue: first, recognition of the Armenian
Genocide by Turkey and opening of the border, second, establishment of
relations with Armenia and international recognition of the Armenian
Genocide. Rustamyan also noted that “if Turkey does not recognize
the fact of the Genocide, there are no guarantees the history will
not repeat.” He reminded that there is an article in the Criminal
Code of Turkey, which provides for criminal penalty for statements
on the Armenian Genocide. He noted Armenia has raise the question
at the European Parliament for many times. One of the preconditions
for Turkey’s accession to the EU is withdrawal of the mentioned
article from the Criminal Code or introducing changes in it, the MP
said. Answering a question on the course of talks over settlement of
the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, Rustamyan noted “there are no talks
at the moment, as there can be no negotiations without the direct
participant of the conflict – Nagorno Karabakh.” If Azerbaijan submits
the Karabakh issue for discussion by the UN without participation of NK
representatives, Armenia will not take part in the debate. He stated
Armenia is a guarantor of independence and security of Karabakh. In
his words, the talks should be held over the “Armenian-Azeri”, not
Nagorno Karabakh conflict and should involve three parties. Speaking of
the coming referendum on constitutional reforms in Armenia, Rustamyan
noted the failure of the referendum over constitutional changes will
have a negative impact on further development of Armenia. Thus, in
his words, the issue should not be an apple of discord between the
opposition and authorities.