SECRET TALKS IN BERN

The Switzerland-Armenia Society (SAS) expresses its gladness about Switzerland being chosen the place for talks. The rumors about the secret talks, which evidently started on July 8 in Bern between Armenia and Turkey, were indirectly grounded by Foreign Minister Ali Babacan. The Switzerland-Armenia Society (SAS) also points out that with the positive atmosphere are shrouded the real intentions of turkey, which is to argue the fact of the Armenian Genocide and to hamper its worldwide recognition. It makes little sense as Switzerland has adopted the fact of the Armenian Genocide on the level of the Federal Court. The Switzerland-Armenia Society (SAS) is sure that dialogue will be effective only in case the latter opens the border with Armenia, closed since 1993.
It has been already a month since the Armenian side is making some signs of starting talks with Turkey. On June 26-27 Federal Councilor Michelin Calmie-Rey during his visit to Armenia clearly hinted that Switzerland is ready to become a mediator between Armenia and its western neighbor.
Armenia and Turkish have not established regular diplomatic relations since 1991. Because of Turkey's strategic alliance with Azerbaijan Turkey closed its border with Armenia in 1993. Up to the present day Turkey has been linking the disclosure of the border with the withdrawal of the Armenian forces from Karabakh and with the resignation of the "claims" about the 1915 Genocide. During the recent years the Turkish side suggests establishing a joint commission with Armenia to study the events of 1914-1917.
The SAS does not oppose the idea of an international authoritative commission of scientists who would study the less known facts about the Genocide and would publish its researches. The SAS is categorically against any attempt to diminish the importance of the Armenian Genocide or moreover to deny it completely.
It is not the first time when Switzerland has offered its mediation. Already on July 9, 2001 the unofficial delegations from Armenian and Turkey met in Geneva and the first session of the reconciliation committee started.. That time the negotiations were halted because of serious controversies regarding the international recognition of the Genocide. In 2002 the Turkish delegation left because of the discussion whether the UN definition of genocide is to be applied to the 1914-1917 events in the Ottoman Empire. Turkey could not accept the fact of the 1914-17 events being qualified as Genocide by the International Centre of Transition Justice in 2004, so it finally broke up with the reconciliation committee.
Although the SAS is rather pessimistic about starting a really serious dialogue with Turkey, a country where politicians and historians are being killed for their political ideas, the organization is sure that the fact of the Armenian Genocide cannot be subject to any speculation. Tangible improvement of relations will be possible only after the authorities of the latter definitely recognize the Armenian Genocide.
By S. Shahinian, president of Switzerland-Armenia Society, Translated by A.M.

| Home | >>

E-mail article | Discuss article new!

RSS © Azg

Headlines for July 23, 2008

SECRET TALKS IN BERN
By S. Shahinian, president of Switzerland-Armenia Society, Translated by A.M.
The Switzerland-Armenia Society (SAS) expresses its gladness about Switzerland being chosen the place for talks. The rumors about the secret talks, which evidently started on July 8 in Bern between Armenia ...
MORE DETAILS ON ARMENIA-TURKEY SECRET CONTACTS REVEALED
By H. Chaqrian, translated by A.M.
On July 18 "Hurriet" newspaper stated without any details that secrtet talks have started in Bern, Switrzerland. Later the fact was confirmed. Nevertheless is most interesting are neither the responses ...
AMERICAN-ARMENIAN BUSINESSMAN SEROB TER-POGHOSIAN RESPONDS TO THE CALL OF THE PRESIDENT
American-Armenian businessman, executive director of "Metalprince" company Serob Ter-Poghosian responded to the address of the Armenian President Serge Sargsian made at "Baze" all-Armenian youth gathering, ...
GOLDEN APRICOT'S EXPECTED AWARDS AND THE "MERMAID'S" IMAGINARY WORLD
Translated by A.M.
During the seven days of the Golden Apricot film festival Yerevan became the crossroads of cultures. French film director Cathrein Breya presented to the Armenian public the uttermost of feminine attractiveness ...
ARMENIAN ECONOMIC GROWTH 10,3 PERCENT
By Ara Martirosian, translated by L.H.
According to the operative data of the Armenian National Statistical Service, the Armenian economic growth of January-June of this year is 10,3 percent compared with the same period of last year. It means ...