“WHO SAID WE DON’T RECOGNISE THE BORDERS WITH TURKEY?”
Support A1+!The RA Foreign Deputy Minister Arman Kirakosyan gave an interview to the Turkish newspaper “Zaman” which was also introduced in the site “mediadialogue.org”.
“You demand Turkey to open the borders with Armenia. Does it mean that you recognize the Kars treaty made in 1921 and the borders?”
“And who said we don’t recognize the Kars treaty?”
“There are many expressions about the Turkish Eastern regions in you official documents.”
“Being an official representative of Armenia I want to announce; Armenia wanted to establish diplomatic ties and relations with Turkey without any preconditions after the proclamation of independence in 1991. So far the RA hasn’t made any announcements on Kars treaty recognition whereas Turkey suggested a number of preconditions included the Nagorno - Karabakh and the Armenian Genocide. ”
“Can we say that Armenia has no demands in connection with the Eastern regions of Turkey which is stated in the official documents?”
“My answer will not have a value unless the diplomatic relations are established between the two countries. We can display our respect towards the country’s regional wholeness in bilateral contracts.”
“Your country is in an awful economic state because of the genocide accusations and the border blockade. Many Armenians live and work abroad. How long can you run such a policy?”
“Armenia is not in an awful economic state. Our economy got adjusted to such conditions within 15 years. We strive to develop and enhance the economy, and the opening of the borders will be useful on this score. We are ready to establish diplomatic relations with Turkey. Provided Turkey agrees, we are ready to discuss the current issues.”
“The Azeri President Ilhalm Aliev will visit Washington at the tense moment of the Iranian crisis. Aren’t you concerned with that visit?”
“Not at all. We are in good relations with the USA. The USA will give Armenia 235 million USD grant within the framework of the program “Millennium Challenge,” and President Bush supports the program. The money will contribute to the development of the country. Azerbaijan wasn’t given such assistance as they didn’t conform to the election standards. The RA President will likely visit the USA after Azeri President’s visit.”
“Armenia and Diaspora take many measures in connection with the events of 1915. There are 450 websites on this score. The events took place 90 years ago whereas nowadays 800 thousand Azeri refugees try to survive in terrible conditions. Have you ever thought of their feelings?”
”We do not agree with the number 800 thousand. But it doesn’t matter. There are 300 thousand refugees from Karabakh and Armenia in our country. The negotiations with Azerbaijan still continue on that theme.”
“Turkey offers to leave the 1915 year events for the historians’ discussion and to accept their conclusions. Don’t you accept such position as usual?”
“Yes, the Prime Minister Erdoghan made such an announcement. President Kocharyan, in his turn, suggested forming an intergovernmental committee in order to discuss various matters connected with treaties, contracts, borders, economy and policy. 2 and a half million Armenians lived in the Ottoman Empire before the World War I. Today about 80 thousand Armenians live in Stambul. Where are the rest? Why did they abandon the land of their ancestors? Turkey is a large country. Its population is over 75 million, a great territory. Armenia is a small country. Our population is 3 million. Must the bigger country be afraid of a smaller one or the vice versa?”
“Turks are not responsible for the past events. The authorities of those years are to be blamed. Armenia tries to establish friendly relations with all countries without any preconditions. The political figures will decide the fortune of the two countries. If Turkey established diplomatic relations with Armenia in 1991 the level of debates would be different today. ”
