Council of Europe Secretary General Terry Davis encourages Armenia and
its neighbours to reconcile
Excerpts from the speech delivered at Yerevan State University

Yerevan, 05.11.2007 – "Today, Armenia has several unresolved issues with
its immediate neighbours. These disputes originate from the past, but
they are a liability for the future of both Armenia and its neighbours.

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 recognise 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. 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.

Another example is your relationship with your neighbour to the west –
Turkey. This relationship is still difficult because of the events which
took place not ten years but more than nine decades 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 to pay respect to the victims but also 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. 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."

Link to the full version of the speech
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