TERRY DAVIS CALLS FOR RECONCILIATION BETWEEN ARMENIA AND ITS NEIGHBORS
armradio.am
05.11.2007 17:22
Secretary General of the Council of Europe Terry Davis stated at the
Yerevan State University that today Armenia has several unresolved
issues with its immediate neighbors. These disputes originated in
the past, but they are a liability for the future of both Armenia
and its neighbors.
"History has not been kind to your country, and there are many painful
memories of past injustices and sacrifices. But it is important to
remember that the other side has its own and different perception of
the past. You may not agree with it, but you need to recognize and
even respect it.
An example which immediately comes to mind is the conflict in Nagorno
Karabakh. When Armenia joined the Council of Europe, at the same
time as Azerbaijan, both countries committed themselves to pursue
efforts to settle this conflict by peaceful means. Unfortunately,
the fact remains that the Nagorno Karabakh conflict is still the
greatest obstacle to peace, stability and co-operation in this part
of Europe. More than 10 years have elapsed since the start of the
hostilities and the subsequent cease-fire, but the parties have still
not succeeded in reaching an agreement on measures which could lead to
lasting peace and the return of hundreds of thousands of refugees and
displaced persons. I am not here to apportion blame, but I do want
to encourage your Government in Yerevan and the Government in Baku
to do more – not because they both gave a promise to the Council of
Europe – but because a settlement of this conflict is in the interest
of everyone in both Armenia and Azerbaijan," he said.
Turning to Armenian-Turkish relations, the Secretary General noted
that this relationship is still difficult because of the events
which took place not ten years but more than ninety years ago. "I
understand your pain. Of course you remember the victims, but time
is an important factor. It does not erase the past, but it should be
given a chance to heal the wounds.
Everyone must accept that history can be neither ignored nor
legislated. We all know that many people died, but the time has surely
come not only to pay respect to the victims but also to look to the
future. Everyone in Armenia and Turkey should do so – not only for
your sake but even more for the sake of your children.
Reconciliation is difficult, and it takes much more courage than
confrontation. It is especially difficult, and therefore even more
important, to make the first step. But reconciliation is the only way
forward. Everyone needs to make an effort to understand and to accept
that what they have in common with their neighbors is more important
than what sets them apart. We are all human, with similar fears,
hopes and aspirations. The only way to build the kind of future you
want for your children is to work with, not against, your neighbors.
This is the real message of Europe today, born out of our long
history of wars and confrontations. Understanding, respect and
reconciliation. There is no other way," Terry Davis concluded.