Editor-in-chief of New York based newspaper speaks about what Obama, Erdogan and Sargsyan discussed in Washington

Armenian President and Turkish Prime Minister and later Armenian and U.S. Presidents met in Washington yesterday as part of the Nuclear Security Summit. However, no significant statements followed…

First and foremost, I note that Barack Obama has no task to spoil relations with Turkey and he may have a in a private conversation made it possible for Erdogan to change attitude towards Iran's nuclear program, which is no less important in the relations between the two countries.

Of course, all three parties discussed the state of the Armenian-Turkish relations, but as far as we know, there were only discussions.

As a person, being directly in the epicenter of events, in your opinion, why did the U.S. Congress committee adopt the “Armenian genocide” resolution?

Committee on Foreign Affairs of the U.S. House of Representatives adopted resolution 23 to 22 votes labelling events in the Ottoman Empire in 1915-1917 as "genocide". It was passed with a minimum margin of votes. Adoption of a resolution is only personal opinion of a group of congressmen, who produce expert doctrine of recommendatory nature for the whole of the lower house of Congress.

One reason for adopting such a resolution was that some of these members, being strongly politicized, listen to the voice of Armenian lobbyists. Sponsors of the resolution Congressmen Adam Schiff and George Radanovich represent the California State and, to some extent, depend on the votes of the Armenians, constituting the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA), a large diaspora community in California.

Another no less important reason is that the latest statements voiced by Turkish PM Erdogan against Israel sparked a negative attitude of some undecided congressmen who supported Israel, which outweighed the bowl in favor of the resolution. In this case, the history was turned into an instrument of policy blocking an opportunity to reveal truth.

The ideal way to disclose the truth is to be guided by impartial research. For this purpose a commission consisting of independent scientists should be set up, it should be provided with all the archival materials by the both sides. Their authoritative scientific opinion could be included in resolution of any country that is interested in solving this problem.

How did the Azerbaijani and Turkish Diaspora act immediately after the decision of the congressional committee? Were there any protests, events, actions, etc.?

The Azerbaijani Diaspora organizations, together with their Turkish counterparts, sent letters of protest to U.S. President Barack Obama, State Department, personally senators and members of the House of Representatives immediately after the resolution was adopted.

On April 15, 16, 17 Azerbaijan Association together with the Turkish community will hold a joint conference on topical problems of the South Caucasus and Turkey in New York, Columbia University. One of the panels will be devoted to decision of the U.S. Congress Committee to recognize the "Armenian genocide".  

They also plan to hold the largest protest against the Congress committee resolution at Times Square in the heart of New York on April 24. President of the Azerbaijan Association of the USA (ASA) Tomris Azeri will deliver a long speech on this issue. Posters will be installed and film on the events of 1915 will be displayed in large screens.

Do you share the opinion that Armenia lost from the spoiled relation with Turkey most of all?

I think that opening the border with Turkey should not be linked with the decision of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the U.S. Congress recommending to recognize the “Armenian genocide".

Regarding resolution of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict, Turkey’s solidarity with Azerbaijan in liberation of Armenian-occupied lands is linked to the free movement of citizens, not only between countries but also within one country.

What is Russia’s stance on this issue?

Russia is looking for points of convergence with Turkey, but does not want to force things to the detriment of relations with Armenia. It will be rather cautious and neutral.

How do you see resolution to the Karabakh conflict in a short-term period?

Unfortunately, each new elected president of Armenia does not want to be first who would make concessions in the Karabakh conflict. In this case we can only hope to enhance and strengthen the work to attract sympathy from other countries, including public diplomacy in this matter in favor of Azerbaijan, as well as wisdom of the negotiators, who must find a solution that would satisfy both countries.


/Day.Az/