Vahan Hovhannisyan: Armenian-Turkish process awakened Armenian mentality
May 1, 2010 – 14:02 AMT 09:02 GMT
PanARMENIAN.Net –
The ARF Dashnaktsutyun never opposed normalization of Armenian-Turkish
relations, an ARFD Bureau member said.
`It’s a long process consisting of three stages. First, it should be
establishment of diplomatic relations and opening of the border.
Second stage could imply discussion of urgent problems. Then, the
sides would be able to sign some agreements,’ Vahan Hovhannisyan said
during a meeting with Villeurbanne Mayor Jean-Paul Bret.
`Turkey managed to combine all these stages in one and it was
Armenia’s diplomatic failure. We are hopeful that our diplomats will
correct this mistake,’ he said.
At the same time, Mr. Hovhannisyan noted that the Armenian-Turkish
process awakened Armenian mentality. `Political forces speak not only
of the necessity of recognition of the Armenian Genocide but also of
compensation for its consequences,’ he said.
Mr. Bret said for his part that dragging out the process of
ratification of Protocols on normalization of relations, Turkey has
badly damaged its international image. `Turkey seems to screen its
secret policy by these Protocols,’ he said.
He also informed that a delegation led by him will be visiting Nagorno
Karabakh on May 2 and 3, while a meeting with Armenian Foreign
Minister Edward Nalbandian is scheduled for May 4.