ARF-D rep.: Armenian-Turkish protocols are alive
The controversial Armenian-Turkish protocols signed in Zurich in October 2009 are still alive and may cause a major split on the eve of the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, says a senior representative of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation-Dashnaktsutyun (ARF-D).
Giro Manoyan, Head of the ARF-D Hay Dat office, says Anakra may use the protocols which are still on the political agenda of the two countries for its benefit on the eve of the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.
Without giving anything, Turkey gained a lot by signing the protocols. In particular, Ankara slowed down the process of recognition of the Genocide and remuneration and was able to meddle in the Karabakh peace process. In the meantime, Armenia, rather, the authorities of Armenia, only became a reliable partner in the eyes of some countries. The ARF-D official believes that the country's authorities will not cancel the protocols before the 2013 presidential elections not to spoil their image of ‘a reliable partner.'
"And what will happen if Turkey decides to ratify one of the protocols, the one that does not set scheduled actions, i.e. does not give time to lift the blockade and open the borders," asked Manoyan.
In that case, Armenia will have to ratify the protocol or tarnish its image of a reliable partner with its refusal.
