GAGIK MINASYAN SEES POSITIVE MOVES IN THE KARABAKH SETTLEMENT PROCESS
Hasmik Dilanyan
"Radiolur"
02.12.2009 16:33
"We are ready to normalize relations with neighboring Turkey without
preconditions and within a reasonable timeframe," Chairman of the
Standing Committee on Financial-Credit and Budgetary Affairs of the
National Assembly Gagik Minasyan told a press conference today.
He noted that there was a positive move in the Karabakh settlement
process. According to him, the normalization of the Armenian-Turkish
relations will be of great positive importance for both Armenia and
Turkey. However, it will be as positive for Azerbaijan, because the
latter will get rid of the illusions it has been guided by over the
past years.
According to Gagik Minasyan, it seems that Turkey is likely to
leave Azerbaijan alone in the Karabakh issue. "This was once again
proved at the OSCE Ministerial in Athens, when the Armenian and
Azerbaijani Foreign Ministers made a joint statement, saying they see
the solution to the Karabakh conflict within the framework of the
three main principles of the Helsinki Final Act – Non-Use of Force
or Threat of Force, Territorial Integrity, and the Equal Rights and
Self-Determination of Peoples."
Thus, Gagik Minasyan concludes that a positive conclusion of the
negotiation process can be expected in the tangible future.
The normalization of relations with Turkey will in no way affect
the process of recognition of the Armenian Genocide. This is another
opportunity for the Turkish society to open eyes and accept the reasons
of the tragedy that happened in their country, the MP considers.
In case of opening of the Armenian-Turkish border, the economic
progress in Armenia will be obvious. However, he does not expect
"manna from heaven" from the first day of opening of the border.