ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY OF AMERICA STATEMENT ON THE ARMENIAN-TURKISH PROTOCOLS

armradio.am
03.09.2009 11:52

On August 31, 2009, the foreign ministries of Armenia, Turkey and
Switzerland announced protocols to be signed within six weeks to
establish diplomatic relations between the Republic of Armenia and
the Republic of Turkey and to open the border.

Normalization of relations without preconditions

This announcement is consistent with the U.S. position that
normalization of relations between Armenia and Turkey proceed without
preconditions. Armenian authorities have also made it clear that
no preconditions means just that – no linkage to progress on the
Nagorno Karabakh peace talks and no conditions on affirmation of the
Armenian Genocide, or debating whether a genocide occurred through
a commission-style process. The incontestable fact of the Armenian
Genocide is internationally recognized, and Turks and Armenians have
previously commissioned in 2003 an independent analysis through the
International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ), which concluded
that the events of 1915 constituted genocide.

The Armenian Assembly supports normalization of relations between
Armenia and Turkey without preconditions. The United States has spoken
clearly about the need for Turkey to lift its blockade and establish
diplomatic relations with Armenia. Turkey’s lifting of its blockade
against Armenia and opening the border is not only long overdue but
obligated under international treaties. For this long-awaited effort
to succeed, it is incumbent that the United States require Turkey to
adhere to its commitments with respect to Armenia.

Unequivocal affirmation of the Armenian Genocide

While the August 31st announcement represents an important step,
experience has shown that reconciliation between Armenia and Turkey
requires Turkey to come to terms with its past. President Barack Obama,
Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
have all spoken eloquently on the need to recognize the Armenian
Genocide. We could not agree more and urge President Obama and the
U.S. Congress to unequivocally affirm the Armenian Genocide. In so
doing, the United States will honor a proud chapter in U.S. history in
helping to save the survivors of the first genocide of the twentieth
century.

Turkey’s track record of broken promises

The Armenian Assembly views as encouraging the commitments made
by the government of Turkey to normalize relations with Armenia
without preconditions. However, we recall Turkey’s ample track record
of unfulfilled promises. As such, many remain skeptical as prior
governments of Armenia had also offered to normalize relations with
Turkey without preconditions only to be rebuffed.

Moreover, it is of particular concern that on the same day as
the joint statement released by the Armenian and Turkish foreign
ministries regarding the start of consultations to establish diplomatic
relations that Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu sent mixed
signals. Foreign Minister Davutoglu not only indicated that the opening
of the border would be "a long process," but also stated that Turkey
would guard Azerbaijan’s interests.

These pronouncements by Turkey’s Foreign Minister not only breach
the spirit of framework just announced, but also directly contradict
U.S. policy "that normalization should take place without preconditions
and within a reasonable timeframe."

Normalization of relations within a reasonable timeframe

The U.S. government has urged "Armenia and Turkey to proceed
expeditiously, according to the agreed framework…" The protocols
set specific time limits and the international community expects
Turkey to fulfill its commitments through measurable results and in
good faith to normalize relations with the Republic of Armenia. The
protocols also call for consultations and parliamentary debate, which
we expect, will be vigorous and emotional, while also conducted with
respect and dignity.