TURKEY, ARMENIA AND AZERBAIJAN MUST RISE TO THE OCCASION
/PanARMENIAN.Net/
25.05.2009 17:51 GMT+04:00
"These are some of the questions that continue to occupy the minds
of people who are concerned with the South Caucasus. Such questions
also busy decision-makers and pundits outside the region. If a sober
stocktaking is needed — maybe this is the time to do it.
First of all, we must underline that the normalization process between
Turkey and Armenia is still on track. True, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip
Erdoðan’s speech to the Azerbaijani parliament and the press conference
in Baku has produced an atmosphere that suggests the process has become
more problematic, but the fact remains that the sides are committed to
continuing the process. It was never going to be easy, and frankly,
I was predicting opposition to Turkish-Armenian normalization to
materialize even earlier. If it was going to be easy, this issue
would have been resolved much earlier. The fact that the challenges
appear to be greater for Turkish-Armenian normalization should not
discourage us. Ultimately, the basic reasons why normalization is
important remain there.
There is no doubt — and recent weeks confirm that — that
Turkish-Armenian normalization contributes positively to the
Nagorno-Karabakh peace process. From a selfish point of prioritization,
we need to focus on Turkish-Armenian normalization and the Karabakh
peace process simultaneously. When it comes to these two issues,
one needs to see them as two parallel processes which are "mutually
reinforcing each other." There is a certain level of "interaction"
between them, and from this perspective, they need to be monitored
closely. It is satisfying that all three Minsk Group co-chairmen
— from France, Russia and the US — have a common position on the
Karabakh peace process and are working together to bring the sides
closer to a roadmap for a solution. However, without the necessary
political will in Baku and Yerevan, it will not suffice.
Having said that, we believe there is a historic opportunity at hand
and almost all of the stars are lined up in the right place. Therefore,
all parties must contribute to make this historic rapprochement
a reality. A normalized South Caucasus will benefit Russia and
Turkey as well as the three states of the South Caucasus. Russia
particularly bears significant responsibility as it has great influence
in Armenia and Azerbaijan and is a traditionally powerful actor in
this region. The European Union and the United States also have an
interest in seeing normalization and the peace process on Karabakh
succeed. What needs to be done? First of all, there is no doubt that
public opinion on all sides is having an unhelpful effect and therefore
must be managed carefully. Secondly, there needs to be leadership and
vision to carry these two very delicate processes through. Thirdly,
the US, Russia and the EU must bring appropriate pressure to bear.
The coming weeks and months will be critical in seeing how this
process will evolve. There is no doubt that no one will have the
luxury of an extended vacation this summer. There needs to be hard
work done this summer to hopefully facilitate a breakthrough.
Turkey, as a regional hegemony toward which all eyes are directed,
bears a heavy burden in this issue. Turkey, Armenia and Azerbaijan must
rise to the occasion and should view this as a win-win situation. We
owe peace in the South Caucasus to our children and our peoples,"
Today’s Zaman reported in its article entitled "Normalization and
Peace in the South Caucasus: Is it still possible?"
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
