Suggested crossing the border with tanks
Twelve political parties headed by the ARF made a joint statement today, demanding that the RA authorities not sign the current Turkish-Armenian protocols. Among signatories were the ARF, "Heritage", "New Times", the Democratic Party of Armenia, the People's Party, the Armenian Liberal Party (Ramkavar), the Armenian Aryan Association and others.
The parties have different positions on the Turkish-Armenian relations, but all signatories share the views expressed in this statement.
"Armenia's initiative to normalize relations with Turkey without preconditions was a serious step and it was the only concession that the side that experienced genocide and blockade could make. The claims that the establishment of diplomatic relations and the lifting of Turkey's blockade are proceeding without Turkey's preconditions don't correspond to the protocols and are aimed at weakening our nation."
The points in the statement state Turkey's preconditions and the results that may follow, including recognition of current borders, creation of a Turkish-Armenian historical commission and the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
"By finally closing the borders and registering the bilateral decision to o pen them, Turkey is sharing the responsibility of keeping the borders closed to this day," said member of the ARF Supreme Body Armen Rustamyan at the end of the statement and expressed hope that they will be able to prevent the signing of the protocols.
All parties had a chance to express their viewpoints and explain why they joined the statement.
"We are certain that Turkey's steps are calculated for the next 10, 20, 30 and perhaps 100 years and nothing has changed in their policy. That is the ideology of pan-Turkism," said leader of the Democratic Party of Armenia Aram Sargsyan.
Leader of the People's Party Tigran Karapetyan announced that the Turkish-Armenian border must be crossed with tanks and liberate the lands. Leader of the Aryan Association Armen Avetisyan warned the authorities that the time has come again for the Armenian people to get revenge over traitors.
The statement signed by the political parties is open and those who wish to sign may do so. Armen Rustamyan said that they personally didn't offer the Armenian National Congress to sign, but they have talked to members of the Congress who are also concerned.
