ARF is stronger than Heritage"
"Unlike Armenia, Turkey has launched serious discussions over the Armenian-Turkish Protocols on different levels. Armenian authorities do not initiate consultations since they understand how weak their arguments are," ARF Dashnaktsutiun bureau member Vahan Hovhannisian told a press conference today.
Starting from tomorrow, the ARF is going to hold protest actions and hunger-strike to launch internal political consultations and inform the public about the possible dangers of the pre-signed Protocols.
"We protest against Armenian authorities and take every effort for the Protocols to be voted down in their present format," said Mr. Hovhannisian.
Vahan Hovhannisian is convinced that the Protocols can be amended. Dashnaktsutiun is going to issue a document with the Party's proposals on the Protocols.
With regard to the frontier opening, Mr. Hovhannisian said: "Turkish businesspeople will lose nothing after the opening of Armenian-Turkish border as unlike Armenia, Turkish legislation protects businessmen. Only small traders in Armenia are inspired by the opening of the Armenian-Turkish border today.Real businessmen and producers are worried."
Vahan Hovhannisian notes that the Genocide issue lies in the basis of national issues. "There are three approaches. Turks deny the Armenian Genocide. Europeans say the Genocide happened long ago and Turkey mustn't assume responsibility for the aftermaths. The ARF supports the third opinion stipulated in a document of military importance. The document bound to us today contradicts our national security."
Referring to the recent scandal over the Heritage Party, Mr. Hovhannisian said the party's wakening and split is advantageous for the Armenian National Congress and authorities. "Dashnaktsutiun has also appeared in such an awkward situation but unlike the Heritage, Dashnaktsutiun is a solid party."
