EDWARD NALBANDIAN: THERE IS NO REAL OBSTACLE TO THE NORMALIZATION OF ARMENIAN-TURKISH RELATIONS
armradio.am
28.10.2008 13:13
I don’t think there is a real obstacle to the normalization of the
Armenian-Turkish relations, the Foreign Minister of Armenia, Mr. Edward
Nlabdnian, told the Turkish Section of the BBC World Service.
"We are first of all waiting for the normalization of relations,
establishment of diplomatic ties and opening of the border. After
that we are ready to establish an intergovernmental commission to
discuss all issues," the Armenian Foreign Minister said.
Edward Nalbandian spoke about the Karabakh issue, the activity of the
OSCE Minsk Group, the Armenian-Azerbaijani relations, the factors of
Russia and the Diaspora, the trilateral meeting between Armenian,
Turkish and Azerbaijani Foreign Ministers, Turkey’s proposal of
establishing a Cooperation and Stability Platform.
Turning to the Minks process, the Armenian Foreign Minister underlined
that the questions between Armenia and Azerbaijan find assessment
"within the framework of that influential structure enjoying the
support of the international community," and the Armenian side does
not look for an alternative to it.
Asked whether it is possible to interconnect the normalization of
the Armenian-Turkish and the Armenian-Azerbaijani relations, Edward
Nalbandian gave a negative answer.
"Presidential elections took place in Azerbaijan on October 15. We
expect that the negotiations on the Karabakh conflict settlement will
restart. However, I think that there is no connection between those
and the Armenia-Turkey dialogue. The process of normalization of our
relations with Turkey has started and I’m very optimistic about it,"
Edward Nalbandian noted.
Speaking about the role of the Russian Federation in the Karabakh
conflict settlement, the Armenian Foreign Minister noted that Russia’s
approach towards the issue has always been constructive.
"The Russian Federation has always been very constructive in the
Karabakh talks. One should not forget that in 1994 the cease-fire was
signed with the mediation of Russia," Edward Nalbandian noted, adding
that the parties were close to the peaceful resolution in 2001 due to
the support of France, especially President Jacques Chirac. However,
Azerbaijan turned it down. "President Heydar Aliyev declared the
Azeri society is not ready for that."
Asked whether the Azerbaijani society is ready for that today, the
Armenian Foreign Minister said: "Unfortunately, the public opinion
polls in Azerbaijan show that 30% of the population stands for military
solution of the Karabakh conflict. This is very dangerous: you will
not find even 1% of the Armenian population supporting the military
solution to the issue. I don’t think you will find any in some other
country. It’s a result of militaristic propaganda," Nalbandian noted.
According to the Foreign Minister of Armenia, the events in
South Ossetia will have a cold shower effect on the Azerbaijani
administration, making it stop the militaristic propaganda and assume
a peaceful and political approach to the Karabakh conflict settlement.
At last, speaking about the role of the Diaspora in the normalization
of Armenian-Turkish relations, Edward Nalbandian declared that the
opinion of the Diaspora cannot be ignored, just like the opinion of
the Armenian and Turkish societies cannot be ignored.
According to Edward Nalbandian, the reconciliation of Armenia and
Turkey cannot make everyone happy. However, the Minster considers
that the leaders of the two countries should assume the responsibility
and make decisions for the benefit of the two peoples and the region.