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Armenian Prime Minister: â€œThere is not and will not be a provision on the recognition of Gars treaty and establishment of the joint commission in the agreements reached with Turkeyâ€

29 April 2009 17:06 (UTC +04:00)

â€œI understand very well that the issue of Armenia-Turkey relations is a very delicate one for the Armenians living both in Armenia and abroad. Speaking of establishment of diplomatic relations with Turkey, we should be very careful and accurate in our assessment and opinions. We understand very well that there are political forces that oppose to our wish to establish diplomatic relations with Turkey and unconditionally open the borders. I assure you that there is no secret agreement, principle or provision. I think there is a need for serious public debates on this issue, because the government has nothing to hide from the people with regard to this issue. The people and parliamentarians will be able to give their assessments, when the document is presented to the parliament. Parliamentarians will make the decision, their will can not be ignored in such serious issues. In terms of national interests, Armeniaâ€™s foreign policy should not be based on anti-Turkish policy, but on pro-Armenian policy,â€ he said.
Prime Minister said there was not and would not be a provision on the recognition of Gars treaty, establishment of the commission of historians to investigate the genocide issue in the agreements.
â€œBecause the parties agree to establish relations unconditionally, the other provisions require initial agreements. There is no precondition for reopening of Armenia-Turkey borders and establishing diplomatic relations,â€ he said.