NORMALIZATION OF ARMENIA-TURKEY TIES WILL TAKE YEARS: LINKS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Today.Az
cs/55356.html
Sept 7 2009
Azerbaijan
The London Information Network on Conflicts and State-building (LINKS)
Executive Director Dennis Sammut spoke in an interview with Day.Az.
Day.Az: What is your view on Turkish-Armenian intentions to normalize
bilateral relations?
Dennis Sammut: I very much welcome the announcement made on 31 August
that Armenia and Turkey intend to sign two protocols within the next
six weeks, leading towards the establishment of diplomatic relations
and the normalization of relations. I think this will have a positive
impact on the situation in the region.
Q: Some of Armenian opposition parties are against normalization of
relations with Turkey. Do you think that Armenian society is ready
for real cooperation with Turkey, as well with Azerbaijan?
A: It is true that some Armenian political forces are against this
process. In fact one of the parties of the government coalition – the
Dashnaks – left the coalition in May, mainly on this issue. It is to
be expected that on such emotional issues there will be differences
in society. However I believe that the majority of Armenian society
wants a future of peace and prosperity for themselves and for future
generations.
We should not underestimate the strong feelings that exist in both
Armenian and Azerbaijani society. Too much blood has been spilt. But
I am sure that common sense will prevail over emotion.
Q: Baku says that improvements between Ankara and Yerevan should be
only after settlement of Karabakh conflict or real progress in this
process. How would you comment on that position and the link between
these two problems?
A: There are different stages of this process. In my view the quicker
Armenia and Turkey establish diplomatic relations the better. This
is the basis for a civilized relationship between states, and binds
the sides to working together within the framework of international
norms. After that a huge amount of work needs to be done to normalize
Armenia-Turkish relations and this work will take years and not
weeks. A lot of issues impact this process, and Karabakh is one of
them. It would not be realistic not to recognize this. However there
is also another side of this argument. Improvement in Turkish-Armenian
relations will also positively impact the Karabakh peace process,
at least in the medium to long term.
Q: Do you expect that Turkish leadership will keep its promise to
Baku and open the borders with Armenia only after the liberation of
the occupied territories?
A: It is the view of many that Armenia should start withdrawing from
the territories of Azerbaijan around Nagorno Karabakh, regardless
of relations with Turkey. This is recognized by all sides as being
a key step in the process of peaceful resolution of the Karabakh
conflict. This conflict has dragged on for too long and everybody
is now expecting progress on this issue also. Turkey will always be
a friend and strategic ally of Azerbaijan and this will impact its
actions in the future also.
Q: There is opinion that West (mostly U.S. and EU) put pressure on
Turkey to make it open borders with Armenia. Do you share this opinion
and how strong is Turkey to resist this pressure?
A: This is not a question of pressure but rather one of encouragement
and persuasion. Turkey is a regional power and a key ally of the United
States and Europe. The Turkish government has taken a decision based on
very long and deep analysis, after which it concluded that normalizing
relations with Armenia is in its long term national interest, and
its policies reflect this. The US and the EU, but indeed also Russia,
have all welcomed the announcement of 31 August by Ankara and Yerevan.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
