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Armenian President Serzh Sarkisian gave an interview to French Le Figaro during his visit to France this week . AssA-Irada presents the interview.
Q. Why Armenia-Turkey reconciliation process reached a stalemate?
A. We have a complex history of relations. Within last 95 years Turkey negates the fact of genocide committed by Ottoman Empire in 1915. When I invited Turkish President to Yerevan for a football match between the national teams, my point was to establish relations between our states without preconditions. During the Protocols’ signing in October, 2009 on relations’ normalization it was decided to ratify them within a reasonable period and without preconditions. We declared that Armenia will ratify the Protocols once Turkish Parliament does so. However, Turkey keeps on setting forth preconditions to ratify them having the major term Garabagh conflict.
Q. What can Armenia do to assist the Upper (Nagorno) Garabagh conflict settlement?
A. We will do our utmost. Azerbaijan seeks to give an impression that Armenia and Garabagh are not interested in resolution, which is not the case. We have to end the blockade, which is an obstruction. This is not the case with Azerbaijan: it relies on natural resources and petrodollars to buy arms and settle the issue by force. They don’t conceal their intentions.
Q. Are you afraid of war?
A. War is unwelcome in any case, but we are not afraid to war, if there is no alternative. Nonetheless, our stance is the following – conflict should be settled peacefully based on mutual compromise.
Q. How can blockade with Turkey be removed?
A. The problems should be solved with Turks. It in unacceptable to have closed borders in 21st century and preconditions laid down. Primarily, relations should be established, then to dialogue over other issues. Both Turkey and Armenia strive to enhance relations with Europe and be in one European community value system. This expels any military operations. World community should speak up on the matter.
Q. Do you doubt about possibility of reconciliation with Turkey?
A. Many do. And not in Armenia alone. My initiative on relations’ normalization entailed numerous debates of Armenians around the globe. And with protraction of the process supporters thin out.
Q. Do you still believe in normalization?
A. I have a great aspiration to establish normal relations, but the recent statements by Turkey made me believe that it will not ratify the Protocols in the near future. We have warned that if Turkey trades reconciliation process on other purposes, we will take adequate steps. In this case we will withdraw our signature from the Protocols. *