TURKISH HISTORIAN: THERE IS SIGNIFICANT POPULAR SUPPORT FOR ARMENIAN-TURKISH PROCESS

ArmInfo
2009-09-16 13:24:00

ArmInfo. "I cannot speak for Armenian society, but as for Turkish
society, my understanding from the Turkish press is that there is
significant popular support for the protocol, Altug Taner Akcam,
the Turkish historian and sociologist , says in an interview with
ArmInfo when commenting on the two protocols on establishment and
development of diplomatic relations between Armenia and Turkey.

"If two conflicting parties want to normalize their relations,
why should it be a problem and not to be supported? There is a
strong opposition from the Republican People’s Party (CHP) and the
Nationalist Party MHP and this is understandable. Both parties have
a vested interest in maintaining Turkey’s isolation and authoritarian
rule. Neither party wants Turkey to become a democratic country that
can resolve its problems with neighboring countries.

The signed protocol with Armenia should be understood in the context of
the continuing democratization efforts in Turkey. The establishment of
diplomatic relations and open borders with Armenia is strongly related
to ongoing domestic policies such as the Ergenekon investigation and
attempts to resolve the Kurdish problem," he said.

The Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey have agreed to
start their internal political consultations on the two protocols –
the "Protocol on the establishment of diplomatic relations" and the
"Protocol on the development of bilateral relations" – which have
been initiated in the course of their efforts under Swiss mediation.

The two Protocols provide for a framework for the normalization of
their bilateral relations within a reasonable timeframe. The political
consultations will be completed within six weeks, following which
the two Protocols will be signed and submitted to the respective
Parliaments for the ratification on each side.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress