ARF Dashnaktsutyun was never against opening of Armenian-Turkish border without preconditions. However, Dashnaktsutyun believes that normalization of ties with neighboring state is possible only after recognition of Armenian Genocide and elimination of its consequences, ARFD Bureau member Aghvan Vardanyan told a press conference in Yerevan. “Dashnaktsutyun is not an anti-Turkish” party,” he said.
ARFD representative was concerned that many people consider Protocols perfect documents not containing any threat. Commenting upon Republicans’ statements on ARFD’s being aware of National Security Conception which contains a clause on Armenian Turkish ties normalization, he mentioned that it was the only document which required Armenia to conduct consistent policy in achieving Genocide recognition. “If that clause is currently effective, Armenian Foreign Minister should call on international community, including Turkey to recognize Armenian Genocide regardless current normalization process. That’s the only factor which can convince us that Genocide recognition process is not suspended and we can normalize ties with Ankara without any precondition,” Aghvan Vardanyan said.
Under the Protocols, Armenia and Turkey should normalize ties without preconditions. “Such requirement was not reflected either in April 22-23 statement or the documents currently on table. Besides, statements on considering Baku’s interests are voiced by Turkish side,” speaker stressed.
