ARTAK DAVTIAN’S OPINION, PROCESS OF NORMALIZATION OF ARMENIA-TURKEY RELATIONS HAS NOT FAILED

Noyan Tapan
March 22, 2010

YEREVAN, MARCH 22, NOYAN TAPAN. The process of normalization of
Armenia-Turkey relations has not failed. Artak Davtian, the Chairman of
the RA NA Standing Committee on Science, Education, Culture, Youth and
Sports Affairs, a member of the RPA faction, expressed such an opinion
at a March 22 press conference. "The Armenian-Turkish process is very
complicated and there will be delays, which we witness," he mentioned
adding that the process continues and Turkey is likely to ratify the
Armenian-Turkish protocols. "Armenia continues its initiating policy
in this process, now Turkey should undertake corresponding steps,"
A. Davtian said. Meanwhile he mentioned RA President’s words that
Armenia will ratify the protocols only after they are ratified by the
Turkish parliament. In his opinion, the whole international community
expects constructive steps by Turkey.

Speaking about the process of international recognition of the
Armenian Genocide A. Davtian said that the civilized world does not
link the issue of Genocide with the normalization of Armenia-Turkey
relations. In his words, parliaments of various countries will continue
discussing and adopting the resolution. In his opinion, sooner or later
Turkey should also recognize the Genocide as a country striving for
democracy, membership to the European Union cannot act in another way.