ARMENIAN LEADER HOLDS CONSULTATIONS WITH POLITICAL PARTIES ON TIES WITH TURKEY

Public Television of Armenia
Sept 17 2009

[Presenter-read report over video of a meeting] At the initiative
of the head of state [Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan], the
third thematic consultation on the topic of the current stage of
normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations has been convened. At a
meeting with the heads of political parties Serzh Sargsyan said that
after the publication of a joint statement and initialled protocols on
the normalization of relations between Yerevan and Ankara, a really
positive and important process started. The president stressed that
he had already familiarized himself in detail with the most different
opinions voiced by the public, had listened to positive, encouraging
calls, and also to criticism and concerns.

[Sargsyan speaking at a meeting] By inviting the Turkish president
to Armenia [to attend a football match between national teams in
September 2008] and by initiating this whole process I pursued the
goal of opening a window of opportunity for Armenia and Turkey to
normalize bilateral ties, showing that people, who passed through
the calamity of the genocide [killings of Armenians in the Ottoman
Empire in 1915], the country of Armenia, which is on its feet and
takes care of the pain of its people, in fact, has enough strength
to extend its hand first and to point to senselessness of moving
opposite the course of development of the world.

[Presenter] The president drew the attention of those present to the
circumstance that many said that it was necessary to hold talks with
Turkey, but that this should not be done publicly and openly.

[Sargsyan] You all remember that during the whole course of the history
of our independent Armenia there have always been such attempts. And
really, the latest process differs from previous attempts by the fact
that it is open to the public. I believe that it was really necessary
to make the process public, because tension that is between us is not
imaginary. This tension is not situational, this tension is not the
so-called war of social elites, this tension is between our societies,
and this tension, saying frankly, this hostility is a consequence of
the darkest page of our history – the genocide which took place in the
Ottoman Empire. And if we ever normalize our relations with Turkey,
then the participation of our societies is necessary apart from the
political will of the leaders of Armenia and Turkey.

[Presenter] The president said that no opinions of any political force
against opening the [Armenian-Turkish] borders could be heard these
days. There are no or few positions against establishing diplomatic
relations with Turkey. If we start building our logic on these starting
points, then we must be able to understand at what point we are now,
where we are going and what is our agenda, Sargsyan said. The president
believes that explanations of some parts of the protocols may not be
really convincing for some people, however he is sure that in case of
comprehensive introduction and impartial study [of the protocols],
this is almost impossible. The head of state suggested reflecting
jointly on what these documents give or take away.

[Sargsyan] These days many people ask me a question and the question
is – What is you minimum or maximum programme? I do not consider
the establishment of diplomatic relations with Turkey and opening
of the borders either as a minimum or maximum programme. I view
the end of these processes merely as a chance to ensure a minimal
environment which will provide an opportunity to start dialogue
with Turkey. Where are we going? We have many issues to solve in the
plane of normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations – from economic,
political to historical ones.

[Presenter] While summarizing, the president said that he,
personally, goes the way of solving issues, and if we have closed
any door for solving any issue, I ask you to point this out[,
the president said]. Let us understand these issues together, the
president said. After the speech of the president of the republic,
the discussion continued behind closed doors and lasted for about
five hours. We will broadcast a report on the consultation in our
main bulletin [at 1600 gmt].