TURKISH FOREIGN MINISTER: NORMALISATION PROCESS CAN NOT CONTINUE UNLESS ARMENIA ALTERS ITS POSITION
PanARMENIAN.Net
09.02.2010 16:35 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said that
Armenia does not show favorable intentions towards realization of
the Ankara-Yerevan protocols.
During the meeting with his Armenian counterpart in London, Davutoglu
expressed concern over Armenian Constitutional Court’s amendments to
the protocols.
"The Armenian Constitutional Court’s decision is not constructive,
bringing relations between the two countries back to the initial
level," he added.
He said the process can not continue unless Armenia agrees to
reconsider its non-constructive position.
Regarding upcoming vote on the Armenian Genocide Resolution, scheduled
by US House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman, Howard Berman for
March 4th, Davutoglu said that by raising this issue Armenia puts
obstacles in the way of normalization process, Trend News reported.
Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan addressed a message to his Turkish
counterpart Abdullah Gul.
The message says,
"Our initiative aimed at normalization of bilateral relations
holds attention of the international community. This is a historic
moment for all, indeed. The efforts the countries engaged in regional
processes exert to help improvement of Armenian-Turkish relations are
indispensable. I am confident that it wouldn’t be possible to move
forward without their support. At the same time, I believe no matter
how interested friendly states might be in a positive resolution of
the impasse, there are certain things that can be done only by our
two nations.
Mr. President,
I hope you will agree that the Armenian and Turkish peoples assign the
main task of getting rid of the stereotypes regarding each other and
establishment of the atmosphere of mutual trust to their respective
governments. We can achieve results only if there is trust, resolve and
unfaltering stance. A situation when words are not supported by deeds
gives rise to mistrust and skepticism, providing ample opportunities
to counteract for those, who oppose the process. We should be mindful
of the fact that in this particular case, the time is working not
for but against the process.
If until now we have been able to bring our bilateral relations up to
a level which made the prospects of building normal relations between
our two countries more tangible and discernible, now the time has
come to manifest determination to make next major step and leave to
the coming generations a stable and secure region."
The Protocols aimed at normalization of bilateral ties and opening of
the border between Armenia and Turkey were signed in Zurich by Armenian
Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian and his Turkish counterpart Ahmet
Davutoglu on October 10, 2009, after a series of diplomatic talks
held through Swiss mediation.
On January 12, 2010, the Constitutional Court of the Republic of
Armenia found the protocols conformable to the country’s Organic Law.
Commenting on the CC ruling, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs
said that "the decision contains preconditions and restrictive
provisions which impair the letter and spirit of the Protocols."
"The decision undermines the very reason for negotiating these
Protocols as well as their fundamental objective. This approach
cannot be accepted on our part. Turkey, in line with its accustomed
allegiance to its international commitments, maintains its adherence
to the primary provisions of these Protocols. We expect the same
allegiance from the Armenian Government," the Ministry said.
The Armenian Genocide resolution (H.Res. 106) was submitted to the
House of Representatives by Representative Adam Schiff (D-CA), during
the 110th United States Congress. It is a non-binding resolution
calling upon the US President to ensure that the foreign policy of
the United States reflects appropriate understanding and sensitivity
concerning issues related to human rights, ethnic cleansing,
and genocide documented in the United States record relating to
the Armenian Genocide, and for other purposes. The resolution was
introduced on January 30, 2007.