MATTHEW BRYZA: ARMENIA AND TURKEY CANNOT RECONCILE VIA POLITICAL DECISIONS

ArmRadio.am
06.02.2007 11:56

"Political or diplomatic statements are not a proper means for
resolving the issue of commenting the terrible events of 1915,"
US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Matthew Bryza declared at
the eve of the visit of the Turkish Foreign Minister to the US,
Mediamax reports.

"I’m sure we all agree that what happened was a terrible tragedy. This
question has so many parties and opinions that politicians cannot
guarantee justice through simple definitions. We wish that educated
people, professors, philosophers and historians have the opportunity
to launch a continuous and unbiased dialogue on the roots of the
tragedy, which would enable the societies of Armenia and Turkey to
reconcile with their past and with each other. You will not achieve
it via political decisions," said Matthew Bryza.

The US Deputy Assistant of State also declared that they want to see
Armenian-Turkish relations improved.

"Being the US Co-Chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, I fully understand
how complex it is. I’m extremely sensitive towards Nagorno Karabakh
and its role in this issue. Despite that we would like to see steps in
the direction of improvement of relations between Armenia and Turkey,
since it serves the interests of all the parties. It comes from
the interests of Turkish businessmen, it is beneficial for regional
stability and peace in the long-term perspective, but I understand
how hard it is," Matthew Bryza declared.

"After the tragic assassination of Hrant Dink the dispute over the
Article 301 of the Turkish Penal Code became intensive. We understand
that for the Turkish Government it is hard to simply recognize this
Article invalid. But it would be wonderful if the question was removed
from the agenda, since it provides an opportunity to criticize Turkey,
the US Deputy Assistant of state noted.