Turkey undetermined to normalize relations with Armenia

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Protocols on normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations signed with great difficulty and in absolute silence in Zurich on October 10, 2009 not only opened a new page in relations of the two countries, but also changed Turkey’s relationship with Azerbaijan and Georgia, as well as Armenian-Georgian relations. The end result of almost two years’ “ordeal” with the Protocols was quite natural. Turkey had no intention to either ratify them or normalize relations with Armenia. Signing the non-binding Protocols, Turkish FM Davutoglu knew quite well that no Turkish parliament would ever ratify them. There was also found the excuse - the unresolved Karabakh conflict, which, despite all the assurances from Turkey and Azerbaijan, was no reflected in the Protocols.

At the same time, today’s Turkey has other, much more important concerns rather than the Armenian-Turkish protocols. By the figurative expression of the Kurdish press, Turkey is sinking into chaos and responsible for this chaos are the Kurds. The war between the Kurds and the Turkish regular army has continued for 27 years now, with no winner in this confrontation so far. Moreover, after the election on June 12, the Justice and Development Party (AKP) started a large-scale battle against the Kurds, which, in its size, surpassed all previous operations.

If the Turkish government does not start stepping towards peace, most likely a civil war will very soon break out in Turkey. Nevertheless, Prime Minister Erdogan, ignoring the rights of Kurdish society, systematically pursues the Kurdish party BDP and the Democratic Society Congress (DTK), preparing a massive attack on DTK activists. And if you add to this also the detentions of the top army officers, it becomes clear that Ankara cannot now be concerned about the Armenian-Turkish Protocols.

The TBMM decision is much conditioned by the Middle East developments, in which Ankara is trying to have a say, and for a number of reasons - succeeds. The thing is that it is much more profitable for the West to deal with a longtime ally and NATO member, rather than with Iran, also claiming the role of regional leader.

As for the Armenian side, it should long have denounced the Protocols as a threat to national security. It is appropriate to remind that the RA National Assembly regulations provide for consideration of pending documents for a period of 10 years. It should also be noted that some experts’ estimations that after the June 12 election the Armenian-Turkish relations would start developing proved wrong. For example, the widely advertised direct flights between Yerevan and Van quietly came to naught, as well as other initiatives of the Turkish and Armenian businessmen. We have to once again state - Turkey does not intend to establish relations with Armenia.