ARMENIA IS READY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF RELATIONS: PRESIDENT SARGSYAN’S INTERVIEW WITH TURKISH RADIKAL DAILY
armradio.am
29.08.2008 11:02
Question: The match between the national football teams of Armenia
and Turkey on September 6 may be viewed as the most politicized
sport event in our region. From the point of view of politics, what
expectations did you have when you invited Turkey’s President Abdullah
Gul to watch the match together?
Answer: My primary objective was the normalization of relations
between our countries. In his congratulatory message on the occasion
of my election to the post of President Abdullah Gul spoke about the
opportunities of normalization of relations. Later Prime Minister
Erdogan declared that the doors are open for dialogue. In response
to that I decided to use this opportunity. There is a good sport
event ahead. Our national football teams will meet for the first
time in history. It can be a good opportunity for the development of
our relations. It’s not important what result will be registered,
but I hope that the fans will enjoy. The inspiration is going to
be great. This match will be an exceptional event in our relations,
and I hope that it will become more exceptional with the presence of
the Armenian and Turkish Presidents. I think having normal relations
will be more beneficial for both peoples. My invitation to Gul should
be viewed in this context.
Q.: There are certain concerns in Ankara connected with the
above-mentioned invitation. There are border problems and, besides
there is a question how Gul will be welcomed in Yerevan. Do you share
these concerns?
A.: There can be no concern connected with organizational issues. If
we have invited a President of a state, we shall take all necessary
measures to organize the reception on the highest level.
Q.: Serious developments have taken place in the Caucasus after you
sent an invitation to Gul. I mean the Georgian-Ossetan conflict. What’s
your opinion about Russia’s policy on South Ossetia and Abkhazia?
A.: Tragic events have taken place in effect, people died. This has
been yet another result of the arms race. We hold that such issues
should be solved by talks. We support the right for self-determination
on the basis of the free will of people. We believe that the
implementation of the plan initiated by Russian President Dmitry
Medvedev and French President Nicolas Sarkozy will bring peace and
stability. Peace and stability are very important for Armenia. More
than 70% of our trade is implemented on the Georgian territory.
Q.: Do you think the Nagorno Karabakh issue, which is serious problem
in your relations with Azerbaijan and Turkey, can be solved soon? Do
you predict that the agreement with Azerbaijan will raise the political
and economic cooperation in the region to a new level?
A.
: We had a rather productive meeting with Mr. Aliyev in Saint
Petersburg on June 6. WE both instructed the Foreign Ministers
to continue the work on the basis of the Madrid principles. Three
meetings have taken place so far. I hope we will find a solution in
a short period of time.
Q.: Can you mention approximate dates?
A.: It will not be coorect to make an predictions before the
presidential elections in Azerbaijan. After the elections we shall
see what developments are taking place.
Q.: Do you think the situation in South Ossetia and Abkhazia is like
that in Nagorno Karabakh? I’m asking this because you said the right
of peoples to self-determination should be taken into consideration.
A.: All the conflicts have similarities and differences. I think
that instead of concentrating on the similarities and differences,
we should think about drawing lessons. I see that the disputes about
solving issue sin a military way lead to unpredictable and dangerous
consequences. I would like to know how many people predicted the
outcome of the conflict before it started. We should be very cautious.
Q.: From the outside it seems that the relations between Armenia
and Turkey are in a deadlock because of the Genocide issue. Is this
impression correct?
Do you think that the Armenian-Turkish relations cannot move forward
until Turkey recognizes the tragic events of 1915 as genocide? It is
a precondition?
A.: You will not find a single Armenian in the world that would
not believe in the fact of the Genocide. However, the recognition
of the Genocide is not a precondition for normalizing the relations
with Turkey. Perhaps, that is why we say we are ready to establish
diplomatic relations with Turkey without any precondition.
Q.: Do you think the close diplomatic meetings between Armenia and
Turkey will yield results?
A.: Without any doubt, my support would be impossible if I did not
believe that these would yield results. However, on the other hand,
I believe that the process of relations shows that we, the leaders of
the two countries have reached the stage of decision-making. These
decisions are not going to be easy ones. Not the whole societies of
Armenia and Turkey will approve these decisions. But I’m sure that most
part of the societies will approve the decisions. I do not mean the
diplomatic efforts but the overall atmosphere. Gul’s congratulatory
message, Edrogan’s words, even the interview with you comprise part
of that atmosphere. That is why I believe that we have reached the
stage of decision-making.
Q.: Will Gul’s arrival or non-arrival in Armenia affect the situation?
A.: I think it will be important, since important decisions are not
taken easily. Personal relations are also important. Speaking before
the society and speaking looking into your interlocutors eyes are
different=2 0things. I would not invite Gul if I did not believe
in the importance of this visit. We are neighbors. We have had hard
times in history. However, Armenia is ready for the development of
relations and we expect the same from Turkey.