Why was Davutoglu Smiling While Nalbandian was Dead Serious?

What happened in Zurich? Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS) director Richard Giragosian attempted to answer this question during a press conference today. According to Giragosian, the delay in signing the Protocols was interesting, because it revealed Turkey’s strategy; that is, playing games with Armenia and placing new demands before Armenia each chance it gets.

Giragosian also added that the reason for the delay was “In the Turkish Foreign Minister’s provocative planned speech, where a reference was made to Nagorno-Karabakh.”

“Turkey’s strategy was a test for Armenia, to see Armenia’s response,” noted Giragosian, adding that Turkey was also testing the international community.

“That was the reason as well, why Turkey’s Foreign Minister was smiling, while [Armenian Foreign Minister] Nalbandian was dead serious. But that test failed: Didn’t Armenia threateningly announce that it was returning home?” said the analyst. That is to say, that there would be no public statements after the signing ceremony.

Giragosian also noted that the Swiss and American delegations were very disappointed, because they weren’t informed of that sly act. The analyst added that while the Swiss and the Americans helped the Armenian side, the Russians and other European representatives stood aside.

12.10.2009