OUR SIGNATURE UNDER PROTOCOLS MEANS WE RECONCILED TO GENOCIDE: R. HOVANNISIAN

news.am
April 23 2010
Armenia

RA President’s statement on suspension of Protocols’ ratification might
be viewed as an intelligent and smart move, but Armenian society once
again faced conflict between ruling coalition’s conduct and words,
Heritage party leader Raffi Hovannisian told journalists.

"President’s statement was very convincing, but the fact that Yerevan’s
signature is still under the Protocols, which means we reconciled to
Genocide and recognize current borders with Turkey," said Hovannisian,
stressing that Protocols should not be accepted in any form, as having
preconditions on Genocide and Karabakh peace process. He also noted
that initially Armenia made a mistake getting involved in the process
that is fully in Turkey’s interests.

"President’s statement proves that authorities realized their neglect
and now try to correct it," he stated, adding that at this conjuncture,
president’s moves are statesmanlike, though good strategist would
not have occurred in such a deplorable situation.

Hovannisian emphasized that after Sargsyan’s statement, Armenia
should withdraw signature from the Protocols and launch a new process
with Turkey based on establishment of bilateral relations and border
opening. "If Ankara and Baku reattempt laying down preconditions we
will give adequate response and set forth preconditions in return of
Western Armenia occupied by Turkey, as well as Nakhchivan, Getashen,
Martunashen, Shahumyan and Artsvashen — by Azerbaijan. However,
Armenian authorities need feasible support of nation to put forward
the mentioned issues in the international scene. These are two
possible ways, while the third one, being carried out today, leads
to a deadlock," he said.

According to him, President’s statement formed new situation that
can be overcome either by new elections or structural reforms,
though neither leadership, nor opposition displays political will
for their implementation.

He considers that Sargsyan’s decision was agreed with world actors and
time-out in Armenia-Turkey reconciliation was taken purposely. "Turkey
will come back to the talks in a while, presenting its move as
a major concession, thereafter we will see intensification in
Karabakh process. Yesterday’s statement by OSCE MG Co-Chairs was not
a coincidence," Hovannisian stated. He deems that Karabakh conflict
settlement and Armenia-Turkey reconciliation are interrelated, despite
opposite assertions of Armenian side and international mediators.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress