Protocols and Positions: Opposition faction blasts text of Armenia-Turkey deal, makes case for referendum

By Siranuysh Gevorgyan
ArmeniaNow reporter

An opposition faction at the National Assembly believes that the text of the initialed protocols between Armenia and Turkey is flawed and needs to be edited before signing and stands by its conviction that a public referendum on the documents is warranted.

While the Heritage Party is for the establishment of diplomatic relations between Armenia and Turkey, it nonetheless considers the expression ‘opening of the borders’ to be wrong and holds that the decision of the authorities not to hold a referendum is wrong as well

An opposition faction at the National Assembly believes that the text of the initialed protocols between Armenia and Turkey is flawed and needs to be edited before signing and stands by its conviction that a public referendum on the documents is warranted.

While the Heritage Party is for the establishment of diplomatic relations between Armenia and Turkey, it nonetheless considers the expression ‘opening of the borders’ to be wrong and holds that the decision of the authorities not to hold a referendum is wrong as well.

At a press conference on Tuesday, the Heritage faction’s representative Larisa Alaverdyan said that it is necessary to put into circulation the following expression – “Turkey lifting the blockades of Armenia.”

“We say ‘opening of the border, and the impression is that we were the ones who closed the border. Meanwhile, it was Turkey that started Armenia’s blockade,” Alaverdyan said.

According to Alaverdyan, the initialed protocols lack pragmatism.

“The authorities always blame the opposition, saying that they and their announcements are romantic, whereas, these protocols are so far from being pragmatic. They are the results of distorted idealism, and the Heritage Party does not reject the process, it rather suggests making some constructive steps,” added Alaverdyan.

The opposition faction suggests holding a referendum, because the Law of Armenia on the Referendum is defined for such cases.

“What stops the authorities from holding a referendum? Discussion of the initialed protocols can be considered to be a discussion only if our executive authorities agree that the suggestions, made as a result of the communication with the public should also be taken into consideration,” said Alaverdyan.

Alaverdyan challenged Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandyan’s statement that it is no longer possible to make changes in the initialed protocols.

“All these possibilities are clearly described in the Armenian Law on International Treaties. If a country makes a suggestion of changes, then the other side not only must get an opportunity to discuss those changes, but also to make its own suggestions,” said Alaverdyan.

13.01.2010