Mutual Understanding or the Demise of a Cause?
There has been much discussion and disappoint at President Barack Obama’s failure to use the word “genocide” in his first annual April 24 statement to the Armenian American community. Although the term “Medz Yeghern” was used in its place—an Armenian term used only in the context of the Armenian Genocide—and has never before been written or spoken by a U.S. president, many were outraged, and rightfully so. Nevertheless, that Obama did not use the “G-word” should have been expected as only a few weeks ago he was visiting Turkey to reinforce ties between the U.S. and its crucial ally in the Middle East, during a time when the U.S. wages its desperate “war on terrorism” in Iraq and Afghanistan.
A far more serious issue must be concentrated on by the entire Armenian nation at this juncture, namely the agreement of “mutual understanding” between Armenia and Turkey that was signed on April 22. The agreement was backed by the U.S., and Obama specifically referred to the recent diplomatic talks being held between the two countries as the main reason for abstaining from properly acknowledging the Armenian Genocide in a press conference held in Turkey. Obama did not want to disrupt the discussions by antagonizing Turkey. Yet, had the president properly recognized the genocide he would in reality have done Armenia a favor had the talks broken down.
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Armenia’s salient needs include:
1. Armenia becoming economically strong–can’t happen if the exit to the outside world is only Russia via Georgia
2. Democracy and the rule of law become prime descriptors of Armenia. While this is overwhelmingly dependent on the people and government of Armenia to accomplish, this process can be facilitated by an open border to the West. Hopefully it becomes an EU border.
Insisting on Turkey surrendering land to Armenia or no deal to establish diplomatic relations or no open border seems needlessly self-destructive.
Armenia’s national leadership seems to have an objective and sober assessment of their situation. They are moving in the right direction to help insure a better future for their country. I wish them well. I believe my country sees reconciliation between Turkey and Armenia as being in its interests. I hope the USA continues to thread its way through this difficult dialogue and facilitates the development of a Mutual Understanding.
I strongly doubt this is the right direction. And correct me if i am wrong, but during the current talks i haven’t read anything about the Armenian government asking Turkey for land. but the current course of events should be unacceptable, at least in its current format. The govt. wants us to forget about the Genocide once and for all, to slowly slowly give up on Artsakh as well – you have to be blind not to see that Turkey is keen on kissing up to Azerbaijan and connecting the two issues – and ultimately Syunik as well – the press has been rather loud lately on how Azerbaijan set it’s eye on Syunik in order to be able to connect to Nakhichevan, which they also stole from us. Whether you (and everybody else) admit this or not, this is what is expected from us.
Basicly, if you want your future to be good, stop barking, shut up and do what i order you to.
Is this the price you want to pay?
Are you 100% sure, beyond any doubt that this will work the way you expect it to…?
Do you think that DIGNITY, NATIONAL INTEREST(S) AND NATIONAL SECURITY should be put up for sale this easily?!
I hope not…
Cristina, my regrets for not writing more precisely. You are right-the government of Armenia is not asking for Turkey to surrender land. Some in the diaspora, not all, who object to opening the border–object to the current border and wish to extend it to the west. They want to see an Armenia with a Black Sea port and Western Armenia restored to Armenia. I think we have all read comments to that effect. So, opening the border between the two neighboring countries would imply acceptance of the border as the legal demarcation between Armenia and Turkey. Some individuals living comfortably and securely in western countries find it unacceptable for the government and people of Armenia to acknowledge the current border.
So, the comment about demanding Turkey to cede land to Armenia was directed to that perspective. Since Armenia disportionately gains from an open border demanding unrealistic concessions from Turkey seems to be self-destructive. Appropriately, Armenia has been clear that it will not go silent on the fact of the genocide nor surrender NK to gain the benefits of an open border.
The national security of Armenia requires a strong economy–An economy that can stand on its on without its continued existence dependent on Russian goodwill and diasporan cash tranfers. I can’t see Armenia achieving national security while in a stranglehold from Turkey and Azerbaijan. Russia is too unreliable to be the outlet to the outside world. As we have seen from time to time when they shutdown Georgian ports and Armenia suffers greatly. The Armenian government seems to realize just how tenuous their situation. Disruption by Russia and a draw down in remittances from outside Armenia for a prolonged period will jeapardize the very existence of the country. Yes, there may be a rail outlet to Iran in five years but the outlet will be into an area of Iran inhabited by millions of Azeris– that may not play out so well.