Armenia Withdraws “Normalization” Protocols From Parliament

Armenia withdrew from parliament a series of “normalization” accords signed between Turkey in 2009, saying that Turkey had "absence of the political will" in finding solution. 

On the other hand, Turkish Foreign Ministry made a statement, saying that the aforementioned decision was “unfortunate”. 

“Lack of a political will in the Turkish authorities”

The decision was announced by Armenia’s President Serzh Sarksyan. 

“Upon embarking on the process of normalization of the Armenian-Turkish relations without preconditions, we were prepared for a comprehensive normalization by means of ratification of protocols, as well as the options of their failure because we did not have anything to hide,” the letter said. “However, one should note the lack of a political will in the Turkish authorities, distortion of the letter and spirit of the protocols and repetitively put forth pre-conditions.”

He also reminded that he noted for multiple times, including at the UN General Assembly in September 2014, that time is not endless.

“Alongside the nearing centenary of the Armenian Genocide, the policy of denial and editing of history is gathering momentum,” he wrote. 

“Unfortunate step”

Following Armenia’s move, Turkey’s Foreign Ministry also made a statement. 

“Protocols are pending at Armenia’s parliament, but no steps were taken. This decision is the self-evaluation of the Armenia authorities. We don’t find it right. It is wrong and unfortunate. These are insincere attitudes,” the statement said. 

Sarksyan: “We are suspending”

Signed in 2009, the peace accords aimed to “restore the diplomatic relations” and “develop bilateral relations” within the opening of common border between two countries and establish diplomatic relations.

In April 2010, Sarksyan, said that Turkey was not ready to advance without preconditions: “We are not quitting the process but we are just suspending it. We want peace. We will reconsider moving forward when the Turkish government forms a leadership that is ready to participate in normalization.” (BZ/EKN/BM)

* Click here to read the article in Turkish.