Tert.am
15:56 ¢ 03.10.09

Diaspora Organizations Welcome Armenian President’s Positive Approach

`We welcome Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan’s upcoming visit to the
United States and to other Diaspora Armenian communities, which is
aimed at covering issues of common interest and concerns for future
aspirations. We pray for the success, wisdom and bravery of the
participants in this fateful initiative,’ read the joint statement
circulated today by a number of Diaspora organizations: Armenian
General Benevolent Union, Armenian Assembly of America, Union of
Vardanants Knights and the Eastern Prelacy of Armenian Apostolic
Church.

`The published Protocols on the establishment of Armenian-Turkish
relations present new occasions and imperatives to problems that have
affected generations. We welcome the Armenian president’s positive
approach in his efforts to establish relations with Armenia’s
neighbour, the Republic of Turkey. The proposals presented by various
Armenia’s leaders, one after another, on opening the Armenian-Turkish
border and establishing relations between the two countries without
preconditions were refused by Turkey, who made it a precondition for
us to give up Nagorno-Karabakh and the pursuit of Genocide
recognition. Thus, the Protocols published on August 31 bring about
significant change. Presently, Turkey has publicly stated its
intention to establish relations without preconditions, which is
considered to be progress in this process,’ the statement says.

At the same time, it is mentioned that the public statement of this
intention is greeted with doubt by many people. Also, negative remarks
made by Turkish officials are in contradiction with Turkey’s official
intention. `Contrary to these holding up phenomena, it is a reality
that Turkey’s intention to establish relations without preconditions
is ensured not only by the Swiss government, which has recognized the
Armenian Genocide, but also by Obama and the US government, France,
Russia and the European Union. This mean me, Turkey gave up the
preconditions it made to Armenia so far, which referred to
Nagorno-Karabakh issue and recognition of Armenian Genocide,’ Diaspora
organizations stated.

`We are for the public exchange of opinions and a comprehensive and
impartial debate on this historic event for Armenia and Turkey and
Diaspora Armenians. But we notice that, with respect to the mood
around the negotiated Protocols, there are a number of inaccurate
descriptions: as a possible concession. Based on those inaccurate
descriptions, the march against the negotiations process, which places
into doubt the good intentions of the Armenian president’s initiative,
sway the public’s opinion and don’t contribute to the Armenia people’s
interests. The way of resistance will not be easy surely and will have
numerous obstacles and turning points. That is why it is necessary to
understand that it’s not the time for pushing forth speculation to the
detriment of Armenia’s future,’ the statement states.