ARMENIAN DIASPORA DOES NOT SUPPORT YEREVAN’S EFFORTS TO IMPROVE RELATIONS WITH TURKEY – EU SPECIAL ENVOY

Interfax
Nov 2 2009
Russia

Opposition of the ratification of the Armenian-Turkish protocols is
being actively supported by an external force, the Armenian diaspora,
said European Union Special Envoy for the South Caucasus Peter Semneby.

Opposition to stabilization with Turkey is coming mainly not from
within Armenia but from ethnic Armenians who live outside the country,
he said in an interview with the Vremya Novostei newspaper published
on Monday.

Although there should be no implosion within Armenia, this is a serious
problem for the Armenian government as it has sparked controversy among
the diaspora, which plays a big role in Armenia, the diplomat said.

We need to secure the consent of the diaspora, while taking into
account the interests of the Armenians who live in this country and
have concerns of their own, mainly that of a socio-economic nature,
Semneby said.

Hopefully, the parliaments of Armenia and Turkey will ratify
the protocols on improving bilateral relations, though it cannot
be guaranteed 100%, said the EU special envoy, adding that he is
nevertheless convinced that it will happen because it is in the best
interests of both Armenia and Turkey.