The controversial situation about Turkish-Armenian relations is continuing. Despite the efforts of superpowers, protocols towards normalization of relations and opening of borders have not taken effect yet. Because the signed protocols are needed to be ratified in the parliaments of both countries before they can take effect. In the opposite case, documents will not be different than any other pieces of paper. In this aspect, the recent situation in the relations between Turkey and Armenia is not surprising.
Delay in the process of ratification, showed the mean plans of Armenians once again. To be sure about that, it is enough just to remember the attitude of Armenian administration before the ceremony for signing protocols in Zurich.
Yerevan had a capricious attitude before the signing of protocols. Armenian administration had an attitude like they were signing protocols by urge and like that Turkey was the country which needs the normalization of relations more. The attitude of Armenian administration before the ceremony for signing protocols was a part of the mean policy. Armenian President Serzh Sarksyan had meetings with the representatives of Armenian diaspora in the World. And the same attitude, discussions and debates on the protocols were still depicting the same attitude of Armenia in the period before signing protocols.
European and U.S. Support
Of cource, all these games were not played for nothing. First of all, Armenia was trying to benefit from the situation since United States and Europe were backing and pressing for normalization of the relations between two countries. Because of that, they fabricated a picture that Armenian diaspora was firmly against the protocols. Because, they thought that US and EU pressure would be enough for Turkey to sign protocols.
The real intention of Yerevan was signing protocols without making any compromise. Which means that the opposition of Armenian diaspora organizations against protocols were aiming to provide opening of borders without giving anything in return. The first stage of the trick of Yerevan did work. Turkey and Armenia signed protocols although Armenia did not withdraw from any of its claims against Turkey.
The Concerns of Yerevan
On the other hand, second stage of the process is not very bright for the Armenian side. Ankara announced that ratification of Turkey-Armenia protocols in Turkish Grand National Assembly is dependent to withdrawal of Armenian forces from the occupied lands of Azerbaijan. Armenian administration is concerned about this attitude of Ankara. Because Armenia may have to make compromise for opening of borders in this situation. And because of that, they are pressing Ankara for urgent ratification of protocols.
If ratification of protocols and opening of borders are not that important for Armenia, why is the Armenian administration is rushing and why are they so concerned? I guess Ankara administration knows the answer of this question better than anyone else.
Kamuran Ozbir/Ortadogu
