Turks are gathering signatures, while Armenians are silent

PanARMENIAN.Net - However, the point is not the Turks who are absolutely free to do what they like: to apologize, to repent, to open the Turkish-Armenian border. Most important is the position of Armenians but it has not yet been distinctly voiced by anyone. Logically, we must say "We are certainly thankful to you, but the thing is that you never uttered the keyword 'genocide', therefore your apologies are not worth a pin." But we don't do it. Moreover, we are almost touched by the courageous move of «manly Turkish brethren». To all appearances, we have to remind what really happened. In 1915, shortly before the massacre and deportation the Young Turks likewise flattered Armenians and vowed everlasting friendship. History has a peculiarity to repeat itself, and not necessarily will it be in the form of a farce for the second time. It should also be remembered that in 1915 it was only Germany that was on Turkey's side but for some reason its role in the «solution» of the Armenian issue is forgotten. Now Turkey is backed up also by Azerbaijan and by almost all the Muslims except the Arabs and Iranians. Hence, Armenia has a matter to think over. It is not out of place to mention that the campaign against the signatories is headed up by Azerbaijan, which has been intensively counteracting Turkey in the latter's attempt to normalize relations with Armenia on its way into the EU. Azerbaijan herself doesn't need membership in the EU, while it is favourable for Turkey. It turns out that Armenia hinders them both as it has always been in history. Unlike Ankara, opposition parties in Baku can make statements only with the authorities' permission that is why it makes absolutely no difference who voices the official viewpoint. According to Chairman of "Muasir Musavat" party Hafiz Hajiyev, "Turkey should break off negotiations with Armenia, as it proceeds from her own interests." But here Hajiyev acts sneakily; in fact it proceeds from Baku's interests. Turkey can live on without «sister» Azerbaijan, while Azerbaijan without Turkey can hardly survive… There is also Georgia, but it is too unreliable for allied relations, and as for the Islamic countries, they will simply not interfere.

Against this background silence of the Armenian side depresses greatly. It reminds of the book story about Grigor Zohrab, who on the night of April 24 assured that nothing bad awaited the Armenians. "Yesterday I was playing backgammon with Talat Pasha. If there was something, he would have warned me…," he said. Even if the story is made-up it sounds too credible. It was exactly this naivety, to say no more, that resulted in the massacre and may still bring to more painful consequences for Armenia. We may simply become a reserve in the South Caucasus. Of course, this is the worst scenario that may materialize but we are doing nothing against it realization.

And lastly, member of the Republican People's Party of Turkey (CHP) Canan Aritman made a statement in connection with the current campaign "Armenians, we apologize". She said a commission should be formed to investigate the nationality of President Abdullah Gul. "It is a fact that Gul's mother is of Armenian origin. His Uncle Ahmed Satoglu mentioned it himself. Nationality of a person makes no difference to me. We respect people irrespective of their nationality. But a president must uphold the interests and honour of the country. Under the current state of events the Turkish President should have declared to the whole world that Turkey did not commit «genocide» of Armenians. But Gul did not do it," Aritman stated.

By the way, Abdul Hamid's mother used to be an Armenian too, and the Young Turks were Jews who converted to Islam (Donme). But they were and will always remain Turks who hate the Armenians just because the latter exist. It is a fact and both Armenians and the Armenian authorities have to reckon with it.