Statement on the protocols regarding the establishment of Armenian-Turkish relations

1. The normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations is in line with the interests of both states and peoples, as well as those of regional peace and stability.

2. The protocols on the establishment of diplomatic relations and the development of bilateral ties between Armenia and Turkey represent a considerable shift in that direction.

3. The provision about the creation of an intergovernmental subcommission of historians is unacceptable, because it casts doubt on the historical veracity of the Armenian genocide.

4. The condition stipulating ratification of the aforementioned documents by the parliaments of the two states is a cause of concern, because it allows Serge Sargsyan to share the responsibility for the creation of the historians' subcommission with the parliament and makes it possible for Turkey to drag the ratification process using the unresolved state of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict as an excuse and thus delaying the opening of the Armenian-Turkish border.

ARMENIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS

01 September 2009