Harout Sassounian: Ankara will ratify protocols if Armenia compromises over KarabakhApril 6, 2010 - 13:06 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Turkey will sign the protocols on normalization of relations with Armenia immediately if the latter compromises over Karabakh, ceding the security area, said Harout Sassounian, the publisher of The California Courier. “Turks were never interested in opening of the border and establishment of diplomatic relations. They use the protocols to gain concessions on Karabakh and Genocide issues from Armenia. No step towards ratification was made, with the protocols being in the parliament for over six months,” he told a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter. As to international recognition of the Armenian Genocide, Mr. Sassounian said that the protocols hinder the process. “This year, the Armenian Genocide resolution scraped through the U.S. House Committee on Foreign Affairs due to one extra vote in favor. The same happened in the Swedish parliament. 7 years ago, a similar resolution was passed by the House panel with a vote 40 to 7,” he said. 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. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush. Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. |