ARMENIAN FM OSKANIAN INSISTS ON ‘TENSION POLICY WITH TURKEY’
Journal of Turkish Weekly, Turkey
Oct 17 2006
* Armenian Foreign Minister Oskanian indicates that Armenia will
continue to increase tension with Turkey
Emboldened by last week’s decision by France to approve a bill
penalizing those who would publicly deny the so-called Armenian
genocide, Armenian Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian has come forward
with a new allegation against Turkey: "The fact that Turkey has
not recognized the events of 1915-1917 as it should means that the
genocide is still occuring."
Oskanian, who asserts that despite that, Yerevan is anxious to
normalize relations with Ankara, went on to say "It is difficult to
say that things are going well just because France and Switerzerland
have accepted bills recognizing the Armenian genocide. Our real
aim is not to have other countries recognize this genocide. Also,
we gain nothing from humiliating Turkey. For Turkey to ask for a
special research commission to be formed while its borders with us
remain closed is not a very honest or genuine action."
The territorial borders between Turkey and Armenia have been closed
since Armenian forces attacked and occupied Azeri territories.
Armenia does not recognise Turkey’s and Azerbaijan’s national borders.
Oskanian’s comments came in the "NZZ am Sonntag" newspaper on Sunday
in Switzerland. He also said "The fact that Turkey has not accepted
or recognized the Armenian genocide up until now means that it is
still continuing. But, as this country’s foreign minister, my duty is
to look towards the future and to find a way to normalize relations
with Turkey."
The relations between Turkey and Armenia is not at the worst level in
the history. The surveys show that most of the Turkish people accuse
Armenia for the French bill, and many think that Turkey-Armenia borders
should not be opened, though the Government offers to establish a
joint commission. More than 70.000 Armenia Armenians live and work
in Turkish cities.