"DECISION MUST BE MADE BY THE RA AND NOT BY DIASPORA"

10/7/edward-sharmazanov
04:57 pm | October 07, 2009

Politics

"Judging by the protests against Armenian-Turkish relations, one
gets the impression that in 1920 Kars was ceded by Serzh Sargsyan and
Republican Party," says Spokesman for the Republican Party of Armenia
(HHK) Edward Sharmazanov.

"Serzh Sargsyan and HHK have signed neither the Batumi, nor
the Alexandropol and Moscow Treaties," said the insulted HHK
parliamentarian.

The HHK Spokesman notes that Serzh Sargsyan signed the 1994 ceasefire
treaty which asserts Armenia’s glorious victory.

"HHK’s stands firm in its opinion on Armenian-Turkish Protocols
which will be signed in their present form. I assure you that Serzh
Sargsyan wouldn’t sign the Protocols if they conflicted with Armenia’s
interests.

Before Serzh Sargsyan’s pan-Armenian tour everyone knew that the
pre-signed documents wouldn’t be accepted unanimously. We are
well-disposed to all civilized concerns if they are within limits."

Obviously, both the Diaspora and Armenia protest against the
Protocols. What is the aim of Sargsyan’s visit if he ignores the wave
of protest?

In reply to A1+, Edward Sharmazanov said: "We surely take into
consideration the opinion of our Diasporan compatriots. But we must
realize that a political decision over Armenian-Turkish relations
must be taken by the Republic of Armenia, its president, National
Assembly and other state bodies."

The HHK Mp reiterated that the Protocols set no preconditions. "The
Genocide issue is not a matter of dispute. Moreover, the Karabakh
conflict has no linkage to normalization of Armenian-Turkish ties.

Edward Sharmazanov today made a most striking announcement:
"Recognition of the Armenian Genocide is our first and foremost
concern today. We have a neighbour who refutes the Genocide but the
most important is that Armenian authorities do not refute it."