Artak Shakaryan: new Armenian-Turkish normalization process to start from 2013

April 26, 2010 - 13:19 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - A new process for normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations will start from 2013, according to an Armenian expert.

“With a wave of nationalism expected in Turkey on the threshold of 2011 parliamentary elections, speaking of normalization of relations with Armenia would be equal to political suicide,” Artak Shakaryan told journalists on April 26. “Parliamentary elections in Armenia in 2012 will not be the best period for propagandizing reconciliation either. So, a new process is most likely to start from 2013.”

“Armenia, Turkey and world powers will do their utmost to improve the Protocols before 2015, the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide,” he presumed.

The Armenian-Turkish Protocols

The Protocols aimed at normalization of bilateral ties and opening of the border between Armenia and Turkey were signed in Zurich by Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian and his Turkish counterpart Ahmet Davutoglu on October 10, 2009, after a series of diplomatic talks held through Swiss mediation.

On January 12, 2010, the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Armenia found the protocols conformable to the country’s Organic Law.

Commenting on the CC ruling, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that “it contains preconditions and restrictive provisions which impair the letter and spirit of the Protocols.” ”The decision undermines the very reason for negotiating these Protocols as well as their fundamental objective. This approach cannot be accepted on our part. Turkey, in line with its accustomed allegiance to its international commitments, maintains its adherence to the primary provisions of these Protocols. We expect the same allegiance from the Armenian government,” the Ministry said.