A. RUSTAMYAN: ARMENIA - KARABAKH INDEPENDENCE AND SECURITY GUARANTOR

PanARMENIAN.Net - The International Relations Commission of the US House passing two Armenian Genocide Resolutions will play a key role in solving the issue of international recognition of the Genocide, Stated Chairman of the Parliamentary Commission for Foreign Issues Armen Rustamyan. In his words, Turkish society is not ready to recognize the fact of the Genocide. This is due to the inactivity of Turkish authorities, who at the same time distort facts, Rustamyan said. Thereupon, he noted he sees two options for solving the issue: first, recognition of the Armenian Genocide by Turkey and opening of the border, second, establishment of relations with Armenia and international recognition of the Armenian Genocide. Rustamyan also noted that «if Turkey does not recognize the fact of the Genocide, there are no guarantees the history will not repeat.» He reminded that there is an article in the Criminal Code of Turkey, which provides for criminal penalty for statements on the Armenian Genocide. He noted Armenia has raise the question at the European Parliament for many times. One of the preconditions for Turkey's accession to the EU is withdrawal of the mentioned article from the Criminal Code or introducing changes in it, the MP said. Answering a question on the course of talks over settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, Rustamyan noted «there are no talks at the moment, as there can be no negotiations without the direct participant of the conflict - Nagorno Karabakh.» If Azerbaijan submits the Karabakh issue for discussion by the UN without participation of NK representatives, Armenia will not take part in the debate. He stated Armenia is a guarantor of independence and security of Karabakh. In his words, the talks should be held over the «Armenian-Azeri», not Nagorno Karabakh conflict and should involve three parties. Speaking of the coming referendum on constitutional reforms in Armenia, Rustamyan noted the failure of the referendum over constitutional changes will have a negative impact on further development of Armenia. Thus, in his words, the issue should not be an apple of discord between the opposition and authorities.