Signed in Zurich with greatest difficulty and in absolute silence, the Protocols of normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations not only opened a new page in relations of the two countries, but also changed the attitude of Turkey towards Azerbaijan and Georgia, and that of Armenia towards Georgia. Moreover, they changed the stereotype of the average behavior of an Armenian and a Turk, who now, before talking about possible warming or cooling of relations between the two countries, think why we actually signed these Protocols which may become just another non-binding document.

Throughout the past week the domestic political life of Armenia was puffy with ongoing hottest discussions on the Armenian-Turkish Protocols. The coalition of pro-governmental forces, holding a majority in the parliament, was able to defend itself, offering counter-arguments in favor of the initialed Armenian-Turkish Protocols. In essence, they put forward the need to break the economic blockade, open the transport routes via Turkey to Europe and restore the Armenian historical cultural heritage, remaining in Turkey.

A couple of years ago I had a chance of an interview with Robert Sahakyants and one could not assume at that time that he would leave the world so soon. We all knew he was ill, but no one suspected how serious the illness was. He was one of those without whom, in his opinion, everything would sink in sweet syrup. All that you'll read further are his direct words, as we thought no one could speak of Robert Sahakyants and the world surrounding him better than he himself. For some reason he always spoke Russian, although he knew his native language perfectly well. Call it freak of a genius if you like, but now that he is gone words, however beautiful they might be, are needless.