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TURKEY MAKES SOFT LANDING
LILIT POGHOSYAN
Hayots Ashkharh Daily
12 Dec 2008
Armenia
In a press-conference held in `Hayatsk' (view) club, KHOSROV
HAROUTYUNYAN, leader of the Armenian Christian-Democratic Party,
yesterday presented his views on the possible developments in the
Karabakh settlement process.
Below we present Mr. Harouyunyan's comments in response to the
questions of `Hayots Ashkharh'.
`I have always spoken in favor of the normalization of the
Armenian-Turkish relations and first of all - the opening of the
border. I am sure that the opening of the border, along with other
political issues, creates pre-requisites for the fair solution of the
Karabakh issue. As long as the Armenian-Turkish border is close, there
will always be a good breeding ground for the bellicose ambitions of
Azerbaijan. This is the first thing to say.
The second thing is that if Turkey really wants to become an
influential state in the region, it cannot but normalize its relations
with Armenia. In view of the blockade and isolation of Armenia, they
cannot possibly pretend to that mission. Hence, Turkey is doomed to
regulating its relations with Armenia. Furthermore, it will do that not
just for meeting Armenia half-way. That step is first of all needed for
Turkey itself.
Third, let's agree that very serious developments are observed in
Turkey's public life20in terms of the relationship with Armenia and the
recognition of Genocide. It's difficult to guess whether a couple of
meetings will be enough for solving those problems. Definitely they
will not be solved. However, the fact that the Turkish society is
becoming more receptive to issues concerning the Genocide and is more
inclined to relieve itself of the historical burden is beyond dispute.
This is a fact, and our task is to contribute to the process. That's
all we are required to do.'
LILIT POGHOSYAN
Hayots Ashkharh Daily
12 Dec 2008
Armenia
In a press-conference held in `Hayatsk' (view) club, KHOSROV
HAROUTYUNYAN, leader of the Armenian Christian-Democratic Party,
yesterday presented his views on the possible developments in the
Karabakh settlement process.
Below we present Mr. Harouyunyan's comments in response to the
questions of `Hayots Ashkharh'.
`I have always spoken in favor of the normalization of the
Armenian-Turkish relations and first of all - the opening of the
border. I am sure that the opening of the border, along with other
political issues, creates pre-requisites for the fair solution of the
Karabakh issue. As long as the Armenian-Turkish border is close, there
will always be a good breeding ground for the bellicose ambitions of
Azerbaijan. This is the first thing to say.
The second thing is that if Turkey really wants to become an
influential state in the region, it cannot but normalize its relations
with Armenia. In view of the blockade and isolation of Armenia, they
cannot possibly pretend to that mission. Hence, Turkey is doomed to
regulating its relations with Armenia. Furthermore, it will do that not
just for meeting Armenia half-way. That step is first of all needed for
Turkey itself.
Third, let's agree that very serious developments are observed in
Turkey's public life20in terms of the relationship with Armenia and the
recognition of Genocide. It's difficult to guess whether a couple of
meetings will be enough for solving those problems. Definitely they
will not be solved. However, the fact that the Turkish society is
becoming more receptive to issues concerning the Genocide and is more
inclined to relieve itself of the historical burden is beyond dispute.
This is a fact, and our task is to contribute to the process. That's
all we are required to do.'