Arman Melikyan: Russian-Turkish approximation can make Armenia compromise over Karabakh

May 27, 2010 - 13:28 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Russian-Turkish approximation can make Armenia compromise over Karabakh, according to Arman Melikyan, former NKR Minister of Foreign Affairs.

“Russia has always sought for territorial concessions in exchange for recognition of Nagorno Karabakh by Azerbaijan,” Melikyan said.

“If we do not want to lose what we have, the domestic situation should be changed first of all. I’m glad that the Armenian authorities demonstrate indifference about the revised Madrid Principles. This proves that the republic can take up a new policy on the issue,” he added.

He also noted that the Turkish-Azeri tandem will try to force Armenia to take position on the revised document. “If it doesn’t succeed now, Armenia will alter its foreign course and the status quo will not be changed for a long time,” Melikyan concluded.

The conflict between Nagorno Karabakh and Azerbaijan

The conflict between Nagorno Karabakh and Azerbaijan broke out as result of the ethnic cleansing launched by the Azeri authorities in the final years of the Soviet Union. The Karabakh War was fought from 1991 (when the Nagorno Karabakh Republic was proclaimed) to 1994 (when a ceasefire was sealed by Armenia, NKR and Azerbaijan). Most of Nagorno Karabakh and a security zone consisting of 7 regions are now under control of NKR defense army. Armenia and Azerbaijan are holding peace talks mediated by the OSCE Minsk Group up till now.

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.