GOVERNMENT’S ARGUMENTS TOO WEAK IN THIS DISPUTE – HOVHANNISIAN

Yerkir
14.09.2009 15:08
Yerevan

Yerevan (Yerkir) – According to ARF Bureau member Vahan Hovhannisian,
no political consultations are held in Armenia on the Armenian-Turkish
protocols.

Hovhannisian told a news conference today that ARF is inviting the
Republican Party members and Serzh Sargsyan for a debate. Hovhannisian
thinks the public is not satisfied with the discussions that are
under way.

The picture is different in Turkey. "Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet
Davutoglu has been holding serious consultations with the parliament
factions as well as the representatives of the political parties that
are for or against the protocols. In contrast, nothing is being done
in Armenia," Hovhannisian said, adding that on September 15, ARF
is starting a process that would help to show the threats hidden
in the protocols. The party has proposed holding parliamentary
hearings with participation of experts and representatives of
non-parliamentary political parties. The Heritage party has voiced
its agreement. No response has been received from other political
parties of the coalition. Discussions of this issue are a requirement
of the protocols, he said, adding that the constitution provides for
ratification of treaties only.

"A protocol is not a treaty, but we see that treaty elements have been
squeezed in those protocols," Hovhannisian said. "I don’t20think there
is no mechanism to amend these protocols. Our society will fight for
its interests and will be able to amend them. We will work toward it
beginning September 15."