Hovhannes Hovhannesyan: superpowers will not allow Armenia to withdraw from Protocols

May 6, 2010 - 16:38 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - Before embarking on “Armenian-Turkish dalliance”, Armenian authorities should have realized the necessity of certain time, resources as well as national consensus in rapprochement process with Turkey, LPA chairman Hovhannes Hovhannesyan stated.

“We should have mobilized our resources before entering upon a diplomatic process of such scale. Having no support in Armenia, President Sargsyan meant to secure his legitimacy through foreign policy,” LPA chairman noted.

Commenting on April 23 presidential address on Armenia-Turkey process suspension, he characterized it as domestic targeted. “Actually, Protocols are still on RA NA foreign affairs committee agenda. No legal changes occurred, as a matter of fact” Hovhannesyan stated, noting that superpowers will not allow Armenia to withdraw from Protocols.

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.