“Turkish diplomacy”
While Serzh Sargsyan is greeted by protests in the Diaspora Armenian communities, the Turkish and Azerbaijani presidents are holding a conference of Turkish-speaking countries in Nakhijevan to reaffirm their support for each other, as well as their positions on being consistent in each other's interests and resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict by the principle of territorial integrity.
"A1+" asked Republican Vazgen Karakhanyan to comment on the joint statements by Aliev and Gul.
"I agree with those who say that we are dealing with the Turkish diplomacy. They are doing that to ease the stir of emotions. I don't see any point about the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in the preconditions and secondly, if they wish to tie the documents with the Artsakh conflict, I think that the Armenian side must give an adequate response."
Vazgen Karakhanyan believes that the statements by Aliev and Gul are a "diplomatic gesture". According to the Republican, Serzh Sargsyan's statements are balanced. "He says that he won't do anything that will not benefit the nation and the country."
Karakhanyan is sure that the Turkish-Armenian protocols will not fail. "If they fail, that will be Turkey's fault." Is that what Armenia is hoping for? "No, that is not what we are hoping for. I think that we must be strong morally, psychologically and be able to respect each other and have faith. I don't think that the people who say that they don't believe, would have missed out on this opportunity if they were in power," said Vazgen Karakhanyan.
Shouldn't we listen to what the Dashnaks have to say, since they have more experience in dealing with the Turks more than anyone else? In response, Karakhanyan said:
"I agree that the Dashnaks are speaking based on their bad experiences. They welcomed and were inspired by the fact that Sultan Hamid was removed from office. They welcomed the Young Turks and after a short while, 30,000 Armenians were massacred in Adana. But times have changed and I think that in an age when there is much information and in the light of will, reuniting Artsakh with Armenia, we have bigger opportunities to come out victorious," said Vazgen Karakhanyan.
