AZERBAIJANI POLITICAL EXPERT: HATRED TOWARDS TURKEY IS ARMENIANS’ PRINCIPLE OF IDENTITY
Z. Ahmadov

Today
8413.html
Dec 22 2009
Azerbaijan

Day.Az interview with Azerbaijan’s renowned political expert Zardusht
Alizade.

Day.Az: An act which that will enable Armenia to recall signatures
from international treaties was submitted to Armenia’s Constitutional
Court recently. Shortly before Armenia announced that in case Turkey
delays ratification of the Zurich protocols, Armenia may withdraw
from them. In your opinion, what is the reason for this statement?

Zardusht Alizade: This move is nothing more than trade. Armenia
does not want to link opening borders with Turkey with resolving the
Karabakh problem. Perhaps U.S. and Europe do not want this either.

As to Armenia’s possible withdrawal from Zurich protocols, I think that
this step will not change anything, because it is legally useless. I
think those who believe that normalization of relations with Yerevan
will facilitate Turkey’s EU admission are very wrong.

Normalization of relations with Armenia is just a few grams of
hundred-ton weight of Turkey’s EU accession. So, today Turkey is much
more important for Armenia than Armenia for Turkey.

Who will lose most of all from Armenia’s possible withdrawal from
the Zurich protocols?

Well, I think, Turkey will not lose that much while for Armenia it
will be another lost opportunity to live in peace and harmony with its
neighbors. Yerevan has already missed a lot lately. Armenia lost its
chance to participate in international projects, to be independent
from Russia and a chance of a speedy integration into Europe. In
case of withdrawal of signatures, Yerevan will just lose another
opportunity – to live in peace with its neighbors.

May attitude of world powers to Armenia-Turkey rapproachement change
following Armenia’s withdrawal from the protocols?

I think no international sanctions will be imposed on Turkey and
Armenia. During and before the signing of the Zurich protocols, Armenia
appeared in the world’s headlines. Let’s suppose that after withdrawal
from the protocols, Armenia will be in headlines for another couple
of days. That’s all. Then they will quickly forget about Armenia and
will remember Turkey always.

Do you think the Armenian Diaspora puts pressure on the Armenian
leadership to withdraw from the protocols?

Many believe that the hatred towards Turkey and Turks is principle of
identity of Armenians. The more you hate Turks – the "best Armenian
you are." Therefore, the diaspora have enough fear in Turkey-Armenia
rapprochement.

As for my opinion, I think that Armenia needs Turkey, and Yerevan
good relations with Ankara are needed even more than with Moscow.