THE ISSUES OF HIGHEST PRIORITY AND URGENCY

Aztag Daily
Sept 4, 2009
Lebanon

Editorial

The series of the Armenian-Turkish relationship portfolio is running
on fast; incredibly fast. Only the follow-up of the declarations,
echoes, evidences and critiques made on the Armenian stage as well as
the maneuvers of the Turkish state, the attacks of the opposition and
also the support expressed by world players and the speckled surface
seen on both the international as well as the Turkish and Armenian
media concerning this topic, requires the commitment of a whole team
of workers. A team that would only work on this portfolio.

We’ll leave the politico-legal analyses of the publicized declarations
and prototcols for later. Let us shed a light on and emphasize some
unpostponable points.

It’s obvious that in spite of the set deadlines, the seemingly
imperative points, the present round of the process in its turn is the
unleashing of the unending new chain of the freezing and thawing of
negotiations. This pattern in its essence conforms with the game-rules
set by Turkish side. In spite of the dealines, Turkey still has the
opportunity of playing, dragging, suspending, freezing and if necessary
thawing in the presigning-signing-parliament ratification process.

And if, on one hand, we are thinking that this process isn’t going to
produce any practical results, then there’s no risk of the realization
of dangerous factors, then we must also think that this same scenario
flows in perfect accord with the orientation of the policies adopted
by the Turkish government and as such completely serves the policy
implemented by the Turkish government. The policy being played out on
the scene is in reality just another manifestation of the policy to
bring out a transformed cover. The aim is to show the international
community that Turkey is willing to move the train forward. It’s true
that in the documents there’s no literal demand for the recognition of
the Armenian Genocide, there’s no mention of the Gharapagh conflict
and no restoration of the Gars Treaty. However, behind the haze of
the steam there’s a committee formed to solve the historical y issues;
a decision that sheds a light on the evidence of the Genocide. There’s
the silent restoration of the Gars Treaty (mutual obligation) behind
the mutual and multi-lateral recognition of the responsibilities
to respect the territorial integrity. And also clarity of stance
with respect to the Artsakh situation which is waiting for legal
interpretation (multi-lateral responsibility related to the respect
of the principle of territorial integrity). The August 31 pre-signings
talk about a practical round with a six weeks deadline. It is already
noted that the six week deadline ends on the 13th of October which
coincides with the date of signing of the Gars Treaty!

The interpretations of the ongoing process are diametrically
opposite. The circles of the Armenian authorities consider this a
progress for the Armenian side whereas the opposition circles are
declaring the defeat of the Armenian diplomacy. On the other hand,
Azerbeidjan in spite of receiving reassurances cannot conceal its
uneasiness.

There are a lot of parantheses in the documents that haven’t been
opened yet. We will have other opportunities to write about all
those. It’s imperative, however, that the continuous manifestations
of the Turkish policy don’t succeed to shake and divide the Armenian
stage. Obviously we have entered a new round. Unfortunately, a new
round steered by Turkish game-rules. A high prudence is more than
imperative and necessary.

The public discussions, the most heated debates & public gatherings
with a democratic understanding are all standard means of forming the
public opinion. Constructive behavior and the intention of correcting
mistakes must remain the motivation and the goal of all the plans
concerning this new round which intends to swallow up Armenia and
the Armenian Diaspora. In this respect we note the question of an
Armenian media representative as a negative stance when he asked: But
we must eventually clarify whether the international recognition of the
Armenian Genocide and the related demands are still the first priority
and the hottest matters on the agenda of the Armenian government.

The recognition of the Genocide, the Gharapagh conflict, the
restoration of the national rights and the firm establishment of
our state are not just rhetorics but matters rising from national
security concerns. They are first priority and the hottest matters
for all of us.