ZURICH, Switzerland (A.W.)–The signing of the protocols between Turkey and Armenia in Zurich took place after a delay of a few hours on Oct. 10.
The signing was delayed after Armenian officials expressed reservations over a statement Turkey was to issue after the signing. The two sides eventually agreed on not releasing a statement.
“We are deeply disappointed by the signing, albeit under unusual circumstances,” noted ARF Eastern U.S. Central Committee chairman Antranig Kasbarian. “It is clear that today’s delay came about when the Turkish side insisted on making a parallel statement regarding Nagorno-Karabagh, and that this statement caused the Armenian side to balk. We can only hope that this incident will cause Armenia’s leadership to wake up to Turkey’s real intentions in this matter.”
‘Last-Minute Diplomacy’
U.S Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton was on her way to the signing ceremony when she received news of the delay and returned to the hotel to hold further talks with Armenian officials.
“We are facilitating the two sides in coming to an agreement on the statements that they’re going to make at the ceremony,” State Department spokesman Ian Kelly said.
According to AP, Clinton engaged in last-minute diplomacy aimed at salvaging an accord to establish diplomatic relations between Turkey and Armenia after a century of enmity. “She’s involved in working out an agreeable text,” said a senior U.S. State Department official. “She’s talking with the Armenian foreign minister, and she had a long talk with the Turkish foreign minister.”
According to sources, in its statement Ankara wanted to appease its ally Azerbaijan by mentioning that the border between Turkey and Armenia would not be opened before the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabagh conflict.
Reacting to news on the delay, the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) expressed hope that the Armenian side’s reservations marked the beginning of a “return to common sense.” ANCA executive director Aram Hamparian said, “We expect, as well, that the the broad-based, popular Armenian opposition to these protocols will impress upon U.S. policy makers that it’s both morally wrong and politically counter-productive to pressure Armenia into such dangerous and one-sided concessions.”
Well, it is signed. The Armenian government ventured in this adventure without the full consent of its people. This government will be held responsible . I am sure the people will speak.
Perhaps, just perhaps, Nalbandian’s last minute concern over the Turkish statement was his conscience reminding him of those that can not speak today and those whose voices they have chosen to ignore. Round 1 is over. The protocols were signed. The “powers” peering over the shoulders of Nalbandian while he was signing was very symbolic. No pressure….ugh.
There is still ratificationand implementation togo. I fully expect the Turkish circus to be in full
throttle as we enter the 2nd and 3rd phases. Let’s see ….. will it be playing with the “historical commission” design or will it be demanding concessions on Karabagh or will it be economic
structures that disadvantage the Armenians. Let’s be ready and maintain a public relations advantage. After all this whole process is a show for the “powers”and the EU.
One thing is clear. The opposition process in the democratic evolution of Armenia is galvanizing. We must not let the Turks portray this as a disapora issues. We must be one with Armenia. Debate with the government. Always loyal to our nation.
Well, parties have agreed to “a great chess game.” Now it is time for Armenians both in Diaspora, Republic of Armenian, and Artsakh to actually show some skills. First, we need to rip ourselves of inferiority mentality and fear that Turkey always wins by deceit and trickery. Second, we need to believe in ourselves, and our ability to actually win. Third which we need to unite and not to undermine each other.
Well, one things for sure, oppose as much as we did, what the administration in Yerevan implicitly made it clear to the Diaspora, was that if you (the Diaspora) want to be part of the decision making of the Armenian Republic’s politics and public administration you, better get yourself, come settle and get established over here in Armenia and be part of the decision making. That’s what it is saying! loud and clear.
That’s the uncomfortable truth people
Y.
“always loyal to our nation”
im jumping ship, love
my family has suffered enough for a motherland that just got auctioned off
my only concern?
how to pronounce “jehenem” next time someone inquires about my origin
god bless whats left of armenia and its children
Why aren’t you answering any of these questions? ,