Aram Sargsyan: new Armenian-Turkish process needs to be started

April 16, 2010 - 14:01 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - Armenia should withdraw its signature from the Protocols on normalization of relations with Turkey, according to Aram Sargsyan, the leader of the Democratic Party of Armenia.

“Reasonable terms for ratification of the Protocols have expired. It’s time to start a new Armenian-Turkish process,” he told reporters in Yerevan on April 16.

“Being a small country, Armenia has become a cornerstone in resolution of regional issues and it should be the one who leads but not the one who is led,” he said.

As to recognition of the Armenian Genocide, he said, “The 100th anniversary will be the Rubicon for recognition of the Genocide. So, Armenians should pursue an efficient policy to gain maximal results during the next five years.”

Mr. Sargsyan also emphasized that in order to achieve success in foreign policy, Armenia should resolve all domestic problems.

The Armenian-Turkish Protocols

The Protocols aimed at normalization of bilateral ties and opening of the border between Armenia and Turkey were signed in Zurich by Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian and his Turkish counterpart Ahmet Davutoglu on October 10, 2009, after a series of diplomatic talks held through Swiss mediation.

On January 12, 2010, the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Armenia found the protocols conformable to the country’s Organic Law.

Commenting on the CC ruling, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that “it contains preconditions and restrictive provisions which impair the letter and spirit of the Protocols.” ”The decision undermines the very reason for negotiating these Protocols as well as their fundamental objective. This approach cannot be accepted on our part. Turkey, in line with its accustomed allegiance to its international commitments, maintains its adherence to the primary provisions of these Protocols. We expect the same allegiance from the Armenian government,” the Ministry said.