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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
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