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Artsakh ARF - Protocols Contain Pre-Conditions, Whether Apparent or Hidden
Yesterday, the ARF’s Artsakh Central Committee launched a series of debates and discussions regarding recent developments in the normalization process of Armenian-Turkish relations; most notable the infamous protocols. A press conference was called where Davit Ishkhanyan, a member of the ARF Artsakh Central Committee, and NKR MP Armen Sargsyan responded to reporters’ questions.
Both individuals stated that Karabakh must make its views clear on the issue given that recent developments in the negotiations process have assumed pan-Armenian significance and are no longer limited to mere Armenian-Turkish relations.
"This is an issue of international import and it is only natural that it be discussed appropriately within NKR political circles and the public as well," stated Mr. Ishkhanyan, adding that a series of roundtable debates and public opinion studies would follow the press conference.
Mr. Ishkhanyan noted that the ARF viewed the protocols as containing three preconditions despite statements to the contrary by the RoA Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He named the three preconditions as Armenia would renounce any territorial demands from Turkey, that it would renounce Genocide recognition activity and that it would go the route of concessions regarding a settlement of the Karabakh conflict. The ARF official argued that these pre-conditions were included in the protocol document either directly or disguised.
Mr. Ishkhanyan continued by saying that he saw real threats in attempts to link a normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations with a settlement of the Karabakh issue and that one could expect serious pressure being brought on the Armenian side to make a number of concessions.
ARF MP Armen Sargsyan commented that after so many years of frozen relations between Turkey and Armenia the only ones who wish to see a speedy reopening of the border and close mutual collaboration between the two countries are the RoA authorities and the supporters of Levon Ter-Petrosyan.
"We are not against the normalization of relations. What we oppose are relations at the cost of neglecting our national security and national interests," stressed MP Sargsyan, adding that there was no economic analysis of how the normalization of relations would affect Armenia. He said that such an analysis was vital because it cannot be ruled out that the protocols will be put to a referendum and that, if this is the case, the people must have real facts and figures at their disposal in order to make an educated choice. He reminded reporters that the ARF had commissioned such a report and that its findings were sent to President Sargsyan.
MP Sargsyan said that by recognizing the current Turkish-Armenian border, as stipulated in the protocols, we would be confirming the Kars Treaty. As regards the section of the protocols that talks about the ‘establishment of mutual confidence through a dialogue of historical issues, Mr. Sargsyan noted that this primarily relates to the 1915 Genocide and that by accepting this point we would be calling the historical fact of the Genocide into question.
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