Discussion of Armenian-Turkish Protocols to last until October 13

PanARMENIAN.Net - "Within coming weeks discussions of the Armenian-Turkish protocols will start, and I will take part in them, so we have decided to launch consultations from the meeting with leaders of political parties of the country," Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan said in Yerevan today, opening the meeting with party leaders. According to him, current consultations will lay the basis for further debate on the Armenian-Turkish relations.



Acording to the president, very important and positive phase, i.e. public and political discussions of the Protocols have started in the Armenian society since signing the agreement on normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations.



"In those days I have carefully examined all the proposals and views, including negative ones. I also have heard the concerns of the society. I also see the risks and have some concerns in regard to protocols.



However, we must understand how we run the risk and what we will get and what we intend to do.



Inviting the Turkey's President to Armenia, I intended to start talks on the possibility to normalize relations and to make clear that people suffered from Genocid, has the strength and will to give a helping hand first and ready to follow the generally accepted international standards, " Serzh Sargsyan said.



Serzh Sargsyan mentioned that the current phase is a phase of discussion and ratification of the Protocols, which presented in the public as the defeat of the Armenian foreign policy. He offered to discuss what these protocols can give to Armenia and what can Armenia lose.



" I do not think that the establishment of diplomatic relations with Turkey and opening of the border are the program-maximum or program- minimum.



I consider this process as providing a minimum platform to begin a dialogue with the Turks. We have a lot of problems with Turkey, which must be addressed: economic, political and historical. I think that we are on the way of solving the problems.



If we closed any door to solve the problem, you have to say about it. We need to understand all the gaps to be addressed together. If we really want to normalize relations with Turkey, let's understand what everyone will do and what we must all do in this direction, " Serzh Sargsyan said, adding that no political force has declared that it is against normalization of relations with Turkey so far.



The meeting between the president and leaders of political parties lasted about five hours behind closed doors. 64 political forces were invited , only 52 came.