ARMENIAN EXPERT: ARMENIAN CONSTITUTIONAL COURT DECISION TO APPROVE TURKISH-ARMENIAN PROTOCOLS FORMALITY
Trend
Jan 25 2010
Azerbaijan
Armenian Center for National and International Studies Director Richard
Giragosian believes the Armenian Constitutional Court’s decision to
approve the Turkish-Armenian protocols is just a formality.
"Based on the Armenian constitution, this is a necessary first step
toward later ratification by the Armenian parliament," he told Trend
News via e-mail. "Moreover, the lack of independence of the Armenian
court system also meant that the court was unlikely to go against the
wishes of the Armenian government, which was determined to secure a
positive assessment of the protocols."
Jan.13, Armenia’s Constitutional Court recognized the Armenian-Turkish
protocols consistent with the constitution, Novosti-Armenia reported.
Turkish and Armenian foreign ministers, Ahmet Davutoglu and Edward
Nalbandian, signed the Ankara-Yerevan protocols in Zurich Oct. 10.
Diplomatic relations between Armenia and Turkey have been broken due
to Armenia’s claims of an alleged genocide, and its occupation of
Azerbaijani lands. The border between them has been closed since 1993.
According to the Giragosian, there is nothing unusual or inappropriate
in the court’s decision.
"I find Turkey’s reaction not only disingenuous but unfair, as there
was never any doubt over the Armenian side’s commitment to ensure a
speedy passage of the protocols," he added.
Jan. 19, the Turkish Foreign Ministry issued a statement which
indicated that the Armenian Constitutional Court’s decision contains
"pre-conditions and restrictive provisions that contrary to the letter
and spirit of the protocols," Anadolu reported.
He said it seems that Turkey’s protest is rooted more in Turkey’s
domestic politics.In connection with this new crisis, Turkey is
looking to create a new political "justification" to withdraw from
the protocols, he believes.
But that would be a serious setback, and a repudiation of all
obligations and expectations.
According to Giragosian, the crisis between the countries is growing
and Turkey only stokes the fire.
"At the moment, this process has already stalled and slowed down
significantly, I am increasingly worried that Turkey may have derailed
the entire effort on its accord," he said.
"Hopefully, both sides can recover and find a new way beyond this
rather exaggerated crisis."