There will be an extremely important signing ceremony tomorrow in Zurich.
The Armenian and Turkish ministers of foreign affairs will sign a protocol to reorganize relations. This protocol includes a process of mutual understanding, a peaceful attitude, a new research method for genocide allegations, the opening of borders between the two countries and other issues.
And no matter from which angle you look at it, a road map will emerge which will provide for a brand new peaceful period in relations between Turkey and Armenia. It is not expected that after this protocol has been signed and approved by the Turkish Parliament will be effective before the Karabakh issue between Azerbaijan and Armenia is resolved. But despite everything, it is still very crucial that this step has been taken. For, this way pressure on Turkey with respect to genocide will decrease. And pressure from foremost the U.S. and Armenia regarding steps to be taken with respect to genocide will fall back to a more bearable point.
And the flare of this important step or the symbol for a new period of eased relations was going to be the visit of President Sarkisian to watch with President Gul the national football game between Turkey and Armenia in Bursa on Wednesday.
This gesture was going to be a signal of a brand new start.
Yerevan wants it, diaspora resists This is the possibility that makes the Armenian diaspora revolt. Sarkisian visiting Turkey and thus starting the protocol process does not fit general politics of the diaspora. It is afraid to lose enforcement power over Turkey.
The Armenian government wants to sign this protocol but Armenians (diaspora) living outside Armenia resist. The diaspora is extremely strong. And the only reason of their existence is their hostility against Turkey.
Many lost one or more family members during the period of
Diaspora members live in foreign countries and mainly France and the U.S., and have become rich and effective in countries they live in. Hard work and strong coordination for many years brought them in a strong position on which even Yerevan has no influence.
Yesterday it fed ASALA, today it wants to prevent new initiative The diaspora's bloodiest venture before this one was monetary support of the ASALA terror organization and having them kill 37 Turkish diplomats.
When asked they'd say that they have nothing to do with it but almost everybody knows how Asala started out with money obtained by the diaspora. And after the event in Paris Orly the same diaspora turned off the money tap due to pressure from Washington and Paris coming to an end when the terror organization shut down.
The diaspora had Asala commit a crime, put “Armenians are our enemy” in the heads of the Turkish public for the first time and is striving to teach Turkey a lesson but has sew discord among the two societies.
The same diaspora makes another mistake today.
By hindering the easing between Armenia and Turkey it may erode its own power but in the long run it will commit a bigger sin. President G“l's appeal to the Armenian diaspora in this respect is very appropriate.
Sarkisian coming to Turkey is crucial. In times in which the Turkish public for the first time started to relax and the idea of living with Armenia sounds right, the diaspora's efforts will backfire just like the Asala operation.
MEHMET ALI BIRAND / Hurriyet Daily News
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