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AAA: On The Announced Protocols To Establish Diplomatic Relations

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  • AAA: On The Announced Protocols To Establish Diplomatic Relations

    PRESS RELEASE
    Armenian Assembly of America
    122 C Street, NW, Suite 350
    Washington, DC 20001
    Tel: (202) 393-3434
    Fax: (202) 638-4904
    E-mail: [email protected]
    Web: http://www.aaainc.org/

    ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY OF AMERICA STATEMENT ON THE ANNOUNCED PROTOCOLS TO
    ESTABLISH DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS BETWEEN THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA AND THE
    REPUBLIC OF TURKEY

    Washington, DC
    September 2, 2009

    On August 31, 2009, the foreign ministries of Armenia, Turkey and
    Switzerland announced protocols to be signed within six weeks to
    establish diplomatic relations between the Republic of Armenia and the
    Republic of Turkey and to open the border.

    NORMALIZATION OF RELATIONS WITHOUT PRECONDITIONS

    This announcement is consistent with the U.S. position that
    normalization of relations between Armenia and Turkey proceed without
    preconditions. Armenian authorities have also made it clear that no
    preconditions means just that - no linkage to progress on the Nagorno
    Karabakh peace talks and no conditions on affirmation of the Armenian
    Genocide, or debating whether a genocide occurred through a
    commission-style process. The incontestable fact of the Armenian
    Genocide is internationally recognized, and Turks and Armenians have
    previously commissioned in 2003 an independent analysis through the
    International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ), which concluded
    that the events of 1915 constituted genocide.

    The Armenian Assembly supports normalization of relations between
    Armenia and Turkey without preconditions. The United States has spoken
    clearly about the need for Turkey to lift its blockade and establish
    diplomatic relations with Armenia. Turkey's lifting of its blockade
    against Armenia and opening the border is not only long overdue but
    obligated under international treaties. For this long-awaited effort to
    succeed, it is incumbent that the United States require Turkey to adhere
    to its commitments with respect to Armenia.

    UNEQUIVOCAL AFFIRMATION OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

    While the August 31st announcement represents an important step,
    experience has shown that reconciliation between Armenia and Turkey
    requires Turkey to come to terms with its past. President Barack Obama,
    Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have all
    spoken eloquently on the need to recognize the Armenian Genocide. We
    could not agree more and urge President Obama and the U.S. Congress to
    unequivocally affirm the Armenian Genocide. In so doing, the United
    States will honor a proud chapter in U.S. history in helping to save the
    survivors of the first genocide of the twentieth century.

    TURKEY'S TRACK RECORD OF BROKEN PROMISES

    The Armenian Assembly views as encouraging the commitments made by the
    government of Turkey to normalize relations with Armenia without
    preconditions. However, we recall Turkey's ample track record of
    unfulfilled promises. As such, many remain skeptical as prior
    governments of Armenia had also offered to normalize relations with
    Turkey without preconditions only to be rebuffed.

    Moreover, it is of particular concern that on the same day as the joint
    statement released by the Armenian and Turkish foreign ministries
    regarding the start of consultations to establish diplomatic relations
    that Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu sent mixed signals.
    Foreign Minister Davutoglu not only indicated that the opening of the
    border would be "a long process," but also stated that Turkey would
    guard Azerbaijan's interests.

    These pronouncements by Turkey's Foreign Minister not only breach the
    spirit of framework just announced, but also directly contradict U.S.
    policy "that normalization should take place without preconditions and
    within a reasonable timeframe."

    NORMALIZATION OF RELATIONS WITHIN A REASONABLE TIMEFRAME

    The U.S. government has urged "Armenia and Turkey to proceed
    expeditiously, according to the agreed framework..." The protocols set
    specific time limits and the international community expects Turkey to
    fulfill its commitments through measurable results and in good faith to
    normalize relations with the Republic of Armenia. The protocols also
    call for consultations and parliamentary debate, which we expect, will
    be vigorous and emotional, while also conducted with respect and
    dignity.

    Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of America is the largest
    Washington-based nationwide organization promoting public understanding
    and awareness of Armenian issues. The Assembly is a 501(c) (3)
    tax-exempt membership organization.


    ###


    NR#2009-065
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