Armenian diaspora is against the protocols that are initiated by Turkey and Armenia towards establishing diplomatic relations and developing bilateral ties whichare expected to be signed on October 10. Armenian President Serzh Sarksyan will meet with the representatives of Armenian diaspora organizations in different countries between 1 and 5 of October to convince them on the protocols. On the other hand, Armenian diaspora in Paris, which is defined as the ’heart of Armenian diaspora’ is doubtful on the protocols and they announce that they are against normalization of relations with Turkey unless Turkey recognizes Armenian allegations related to 1915 events.
Protocols related to establishment of diplomatic relations and developing bilateral ties, whichare considered as a historical opportunity for normalization of relations between two countries splits Armenian diaspora. The harshest reaction to the protocols comes from Armenians of France. Armenian President Serzh Sarksyan will go on a 5 days trip to the countries that Armenian diaspora is strong. Sarksyan’s first station will be France where Armenian diaspora shows the harshest reactions to the agreement between Turkey and Armenia. After meeting with representatives of Armenian diaspora and Armenian churches in France, Sarksyan will go on his tour with New York, Los Angeles, Beirut and Rostov.
Learning about Sarksyan’s visit to France, Armenian diaspora organizations started their activities to protest the agreement between Turkey and Armenia. Collective VAN organization started collecting signatures to protest the agreement that is announced by Turkey and Armenia on August 31. Organization calls Turkey to recognize so called Armenian genocide before normalization of relations.
Radical Armenian organization Tashnaktsutyun demands more than recognition of Armenian allegations and wants Turkey to annul treaty of Kars that defines the borders between Turkey and Armenia. Head of the organization, Murat Papazian stated that they demand for the history of so called Armenian genocide to be rewritten. He said that the agreement between Turkey and Armenia will be Turkey’s political victory.
On the other hand, one of the moderate Armenian organizations in France, CCAF issued a statement on its website and stated that the organization supports a sincere and fair dialogue between Turkey and Armenia unless so called Armenian genocide is not made an issue of bargain. Organization also called Turkey and Armenia to clarify the clause in the protocols stating “both parties recognizes the borders that are defined by international agreements.” CCAF also called Turkey to change the clauses in Turkish Criminal Law which limits freedom of expression.
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