Reconciliation between Armenia and Turkey is possible only through talks, imposed protocols won’t help - Ashot Manucharyan

The Turkish parliament decided to send the ratification of the so-called Zurich protocols back to its agenda. Despite the fact that this return was dictated by parliament’s formal procedure, Armenian experts paid a great deal of attention to this event. Ex-adviser of Armenian President on national policy, Ashot Manuchan, answered VK’s questions on the topic.
- Armenian experts offer two possible explanations of the protocols’ return to the agenda: political and technical. Which one is more accurate?
- This is a fundamental question. I think it has more to do with such political reasons like US influence and global tendencies than with Turkey’s internal decision-making procedure. The issue of Armenian-Turkish border is vital in many global processes, so I think Turkey is trying to reanimate its settlement.
- You pointed out the connection between global developments and the Caucasus region. What is the role of Armenian-Turkish relations in this connection?
- The South Caucasus is an important transit hub for all Eurasia. And all major players are trying to take control over this initially neutral region. And the status of Armenian-Turkish relations is very significant in this regard, as Armenia is a part of this transit corridor.
- And what is the role of the ‘genocide problem’ in this big game?
- State politics can be really cynical. Cynical enough to use the greatest tragedy of Armenian people as a bait in big politics. Today USA, Israeli and GB are acting in the most cynic way, using the genocide problem to blackmail Turkey in a number of questions. But the real tragedy of the Armenian people has nothing to do with this market psychology of contemporary politics.
- Did the international community’s opinion influence Turkey’s decision to re-instate the protocols’ issue on the parliamentary agenda? Is it possible that Turkey’s just trying to look good in the eyes of this community after all recent perturbations?
- Turkey as a state is a predator, as are all other powers. It has its own interests and tries to make the most of every situation. If Turkey ratifies the protocols and thus stops being a hostile state for Armenia, there will be no need for Armenia to enter CSTO or develop its strategic partnership with Russia. So those who want Russia to loose its positions in the region would certainly welcome this ratification.
- So what will Russia’s position in the question of Zurich protocols be?
- Russia’s policy is also rather pragmatic. Economically, Russia is interested in border opening. There was a time when Russia hoped to turn Turkey into its own satellite instead of US. But this hope failed, as it is obvious now that Russia wouldn’t sacrifice its relations with the West to become Russia’s ally. And I believe that Russia overestimated the economic component of the problem. I believe that in the future Russia will watch Turkey’s actions closely.
- And is the opinion of Armenian people of any consequence here? It is a fact that Armenian people don’t trust Turkey’s initiatives.
- Of course, it’s very important. Today we have to reconcile not only the two states, but also the two peoples. And I believe that the process of reconciling the peoples will prove to be more fruitful and beneficial. During the tragic events of the First World War at least as many Turkish people took part in saving Armenians as did in killing them. A lot of Turkish citizens had no idea about the ongoing genocide and were shocked when they found out. And this is the true face of Turkey, the one we can address. Reconciliation between Armenia and Turkey is possible only via public dialog, as imposed protocols won’t help. I believe that public activists and religious figures are more fit to reconcile the two countries, not the rapacious political powers.
- How would you describe the official position of Yerevan on the possible ratification of the protocols?
- Today official Yerevan is as cynical as other players and is ready to exchange its people’s interests for some political leverage.
Interview by Susanna Pyatrosyan, exclusively to VK