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Perincek case is highly politicized, says Armenian Turkologist
13:24 * 21.03.15
The European Court of Human Rights' final ruling in the Perincek vs
Switzerland case is likely to be highly politicized, according to an
Armenian Turkologist.
"The Perincek case is originally more politicized and belongs more to
the political rather the the legal domain," Ruben Melkonyan, the dean
of the Yerevan State University's Oriental Studies Department, told
Tert.am, commenting on possible outcomes.
The Turkologist noted that the recent hearing saw prominent Turkish
political figures, including the opposition leader, the EU minister,
as well as the son of Turrkey's third president, present in the
courtroom to follow the proceeding. "So the entire Turkish state backs
[him] with all possible methods. And that's being openly declared by
the Turkish parliament speaker. So I don't think we can expect an
unbiased ruling against the backdrop of all that, given especially
that there are 17 judges each of whom will naturally face the
influence of the leverages by the Turkish state," he explained.
Melkonyan citied Armenia's integration into the Russia-led Eurasian
Economic Union as another factor not favorable for Armenia. He noted
that the court, which is not pro-Russian in nature, may not act in
favor of Armenia. "Therefore, I think, we can expect a political
decision. And we do not have to attach too much importance to the case
because despite its indirect connection to the Genocide, an in-depth
and legal [analysis] has to do with freedom of speech and law, where
the Armenian Genocide is not the subject matter. "
Asked whether a pro-Turkish ruling will give Turkey a trump card in
light of the pan-Armenian campaign over the Genocide centennial,
Melkonyan said he thinks the very fact of the tragic anniversary makes
the case a central point on Turkey's political agenda. "In the context
of the [Genocide] centennial, the Perincek case appears the most
important episode, so that's why the Turkish state has now centralized
all its leverages on the problem. That trial is more important for
them in terms of propaganda than the 100th anniversary of the Battle
of Dardanelles. So should a pro-Turkish ruling be passed, I am sure
that it will mark a key point in the Turkish propaganda. "
The Turkologist nonetheless said he expects strong efforts by the
Armenian diaspora to counteract to Turkey. "I see its considerably
good involvement in the same case's frameworks, as well as in the
steps towards backing Armenia and the universal truth. So I believe
that those steps too, will have a certain influence," he added.
http://www.tert.am/en/news/2015/03/21/perinchek-ECHR/1620824
From: A. Papazian
13:24 * 21.03.15
The European Court of Human Rights' final ruling in the Perincek vs
Switzerland case is likely to be highly politicized, according to an
Armenian Turkologist.
"The Perincek case is originally more politicized and belongs more to
the political rather the the legal domain," Ruben Melkonyan, the dean
of the Yerevan State University's Oriental Studies Department, told
Tert.am, commenting on possible outcomes.
The Turkologist noted that the recent hearing saw prominent Turkish
political figures, including the opposition leader, the EU minister,
as well as the son of Turrkey's third president, present in the
courtroom to follow the proceeding. "So the entire Turkish state backs
[him] with all possible methods. And that's being openly declared by
the Turkish parliament speaker. So I don't think we can expect an
unbiased ruling against the backdrop of all that, given especially
that there are 17 judges each of whom will naturally face the
influence of the leverages by the Turkish state," he explained.
Melkonyan citied Armenia's integration into the Russia-led Eurasian
Economic Union as another factor not favorable for Armenia. He noted
that the court, which is not pro-Russian in nature, may not act in
favor of Armenia. "Therefore, I think, we can expect a political
decision. And we do not have to attach too much importance to the case
because despite its indirect connection to the Genocide, an in-depth
and legal [analysis] has to do with freedom of speech and law, where
the Armenian Genocide is not the subject matter. "
Asked whether a pro-Turkish ruling will give Turkey a trump card in
light of the pan-Armenian campaign over the Genocide centennial,
Melkonyan said he thinks the very fact of the tragic anniversary makes
the case a central point on Turkey's political agenda. "In the context
of the [Genocide] centennial, the Perincek case appears the most
important episode, so that's why the Turkish state has now centralized
all its leverages on the problem. That trial is more important for
them in terms of propaganda than the 100th anniversary of the Battle
of Dardanelles. So should a pro-Turkish ruling be passed, I am sure
that it will mark a key point in the Turkish propaganda. "
The Turkologist nonetheless said he expects strong efforts by the
Armenian diaspora to counteract to Turkey. "I see its considerably
good involvement in the same case's frameworks, as well as in the
steps towards backing Armenia and the universal truth. So I believe
that those steps too, will have a certain influence," he added.
http://www.tert.am/en/news/2015/03/21/perinchek-ECHR/1620824
From: A. Papazian