Turkish parliament criticized RA-Turkish Protocols

PanARMENIAN.Net - Political forces represented in Turkish Grand National Assembly have strongly criticized recently signed Protocols on normalization of Armenian-Turkish ties. FM Ahmet Davutoğlu's speech was followed by parliamentarians' objections.



"Armenia's national security strategy treats Turkish-Azerbaijani alliance as the greatest threat. Their goal was to undermine the alliance, and they succeeded in their efforts. Protocols were of no use for us, but we do see the real harm - the problem of flags and increased prices on gas," said MP Canan Aritman from Republican People's Party (CHP).



Şükrü Elekdağ, a retired ambassador from the CHP, reminded MPs that despite existing guarantees, Protocols would not be submitted to Parliament unless Karabakh conflict was settled. "There are two factors underlying the current Azerbaijani-Turkish crisis - loss of Turkey's trust of Azerbaijan and campaign against Azerbaijani flag. Protocols signed with Armenia pose serious threat to Turkey's national interests, since official Yerevan's territorial claims are clearly worded in Armenia's Declaration of Independence," he stressed.



Oktay Vural, member of Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) said that Armenian Genocide issue continued to remain as a priority task in Armenia's foreign policy agenda, and the country continued the "occupation" of Azerbaijani lands. In that regard, he reiterated his party's position on the issue, i.e. unless Armenia renounces it policy, no diplomatic ties will be possible, and border will not open only after resolving Karabakh issue," said Turkish parliamentarian.



Armenian-Turkish problem has been the principal issue over the course of the existence of Turkish Republic, Selahattin Demirtaş, from the pro-Kurdish Democratic Society Party told yesterday's Grand National Assembly session. "We support Protocols and are convinced that discussions over Armenian issue will be useful for Turkey. The massacres against Armenians was not put into history books. The phrase 'son of Armenian' is still perceived as curse in this country. While compiling textbooks in Turkey it is necessary to avoid discriminatory attitude," Demirtaş said adding that Turkish government had not yet taken any measures to eradicate continuing hostilities against Armenians.