TURKISH-ARMENIAN BORDER ISSUE

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[07:47 pm] 29 March, 2007

We are pleased that the Armenian Church of Holy Cross on Akhtamar
island, a jewel of world architecture, has been beautifully restored
and renovated, albeit without a cross, and as a museum.

This is a positive move and holds the potential of a reversal of the
policy of negligence and destruction.

We hope the same kind approach will extend to cover the
nearly-collapsed churches of Ani, Mush, Tegor, and a dozen other
priceless examples of Armenian medieval architecture, which have
been abandoned at best, or more often, intentionally vandalized,
simply because of their Armenian identity.

Unfortunately, this opening was not transformed to a new opportunity
in Armenia- Turkish relations, because the Turkish government has not
found it expedient to do so. Instead, it will remain a formal ceremony,
in which a small official delegation will participate.

The border was not opened, even for one day, to allow our peoples
to share this singular, historic event together. Instead, those
from Armenia wishing to attend will be forced to travel, through a
third country, two days to get there and back. This could have been
a four-hour car ride across the border enjoyed by many.

Turkey’s announcements about the opening of this renovated church
do not include the word ‘Armenian’ anywhere. Names of kings and
regions from medieval times are evoked, but no mention is made of its
Armenian and Apostolic belonging. This is an evasion of the Turkish
government’s responsibility not only to history and memory, but to
its own Armenian minority.

Ironically, at the same time, many are heralding this renovation
as a step forward in Armenia-Turkey relations. This is because the
Turkish authorities need to demonstrate something positive in that
direction. It is no coincidence that this opening is being held just
as the US Congress is considering a resolution on affirming the US
record on the Armenian Genocide.

Even before the opening, pictures of the renovated church are being
distributed in Washington as a sign of goodwill from Turks towards
Armenians, and therefore obviating the need for third country pressure
on Turkey.

Armenia and Armenians wish for substantive progress with Turkey
regarding our painful past and a potential of a shared future as
neighbors. Armenia and Armenians do not want to be played in a
never-ending process of gestures that do not intend to make real
inroads in reconciliation, and instead are simply public relations
moves.

Armenia asks that the international community encourage Turkey
to engage in a substantive process toward open borders and normal
relations and not be satisfied with isolated symbols and gestures.