Alexander Iskandaryan says development in the process of normalization of the Armenian-Turkish relations is expected after April 24

YEREVAN, APRIL 21, ARMENPRESS: Development in the process of normalization of the Armenian-Turkish relations is expected after April 24, director of the Caucasian Institute Alexander Iskandaryan said in the Yerevan-Moscow space bridge organized today. He said until April 24 no developments are expected and hardly any statements will be voiced.

“After April 24 the process of development of the Armenian-Turkish relations is connected with the pressure of the international community. Till now the pressures exerted toward Turkey, are obviously, not enough,” he said. According to him, the recent developments in the process of normalization of relations showed that the real problem is in Turkey. Armenia continues being committed to its policy line trying to establish relations with Turkey without pre-conditions.

Vice director of the Caucasian Studies Center of the Moscow State University of International Relations Vladimir Zakharov noted that after April 24 bigger pressures will be exerted on Turkey by the USA so that Turkey ratifies the Armenian-Turkish protocols and opens borders. Zakharov says the USA will reach its goal.

Referring to the recognition of the Armenian Genocide by the international community, A. Iskandaryan noted that it is obvious that the world accepts the fact of the tragedy committed in 1915 but officially no steps are being undertaken in that direction as it does not stem from their interests. “The parliamentarians of the countries which officially vote against the resolution on the Armenian Genocide in their parliaments, in private conversation with us note that they do not deny what had happened, just in the current phase they do not find it expedient to officially adopt it stemming from the interests of their countries,” Iskandaryan said. He considered it an important progress that during the recent period in different layers of Turkey talks about Armenian Genocide are being held, Turks come to Armenia, contact with their partners, which was not registered previously.

V. Zakharov said that Turkey is afraid that after adopting the fact of the Armenian Genocide and apologizing to Armenians financial compensation and return of territories will be demanded.

Director of the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute Hayk Demoyan noted that besides commemorating the victims it is also necessary to remember the survivors. He said that if not the support of many states, including Russia, many would not have survived. Hayk Demoyan said it is necessary to organize such events, and conduct exhibition of such documents, photos and samples which will show what support the other nations displayed toward Armenians.