POLL: ARMENIANS OPPOSE TURKEY THAW, SUPPORT OPEN BORDER
Hurriyet Daily News
s-oppose-turkey-thaw-support-open-border-poll-2009 -10-20
Oct 20 2009
Turkey
The Turkish and Armenian foreign ministers sign protocols in Zurich on
Oct. 10. A recent survey finds most Armenians oppose these protocols,
although half would like to see the border between the two countries
open. (AP photo)
Most Armenians oppose a deal to establish ties with longtime
foe Turkey, according to a poll released Monday, but nearly half
nonetheless want to see the border between the two countries opened.
The survey of 1,000 people carried out by the Armenian Sociological
Association found that 52 percent opposed deals signed between
Armenia and Turkey this month to establish diplomatic ties and open
the border. About 39 percent supported the deals.
But 48 percent of respondents also said they wanted the border to open,
compared with only 41 percent who wanted it to remain closed.
The association’s director, Gevorg Poghosian, said the apparent
contradiction reflected the longstanding distrust of Turkey in Armenia.
"Our society considers Turkey an enemy state…. Breaking that
stereotype is very difficult," he said. "There is a lack of trust
that this is a positive process that will have a positive result."
The survey was carried out between Sept. 21 and 25, before the
Turkish and Armenian foreign ministers signed the landmark deals in
an internationally hailed step toward ending a century of hostility.
The protocols still need parliamentary ratification to take effect
and the process is expected to take time amid nationalist ire in
both countries.