AZG Armenian Daily #176, 01/10/2005

Turkey-EU

ARMENIA WANTS A NEIGHBOUR THAT REVALUES ITS HISTORY AND RESPECTS DEMOCRATIC
VALUES

On the eve of the EU-Turkey negotiations on 3 October, the National Press
Club organized discussions with the participation of central political
parties of Armenia.

Representative of the Republican Party, Samvel Nikoyan, said that Armenia is
not the only country that is interested to see Turkey revaluing its history
and adhering to democratic values, respecting human rights and rights of
national minorities. Khosrov Harutyunian, chairman of the
Christian-Democratic Party, thinks that in order to have such a neighbor,
Armenia has to use the created situation and to put certain Armenian issues
into the European bunch. Representative of Armenian Revolutionary
Federation, Kiro Manoyan, stated that what is important in Turkey-EU
relations is that the former carries out reforms before becoming a member
but not post-factum.

Chairman of the Democratic Party, Aram Sargsian, is sure that Armenia should
view Turkey’s accession to EU not only in the context of the Armenian
Genocide but also in the context of geopolitical developments, considering
the prospects of Iran-Turkey rivalry and Israel’s interests that Turkey
voices.

Political analyst of daily Azg, Hakob Chakrian, reminded of the New
Neighborhood project realization of which supposes Turkey’s membership.
Armenia, being supporter of the project, cannot meanwhile oppose Turkey’s
bid.

Arsen Avagian, adviser of RA foreign minister, informed about official
Yerevan’s stance on the issue, according to which Turkey’s membership will
be viewed as positive if it stems out of materialization of the foreseen
reforms and not of a political decision.

By Nana Petrosian