TURKEY’S AIM TO ENSURE DIPLOMATIC ACTIVITY
news.am
Sept 20 2010
Armenia
It is a pleasure to know that a liturgy was conducted at an ancient
Armenian church, but it is also upsetting that it was done for the
exclusive purposes of Turkish propaganda, Armen Martirosyan, an MP of
the Heritage Party, told a September 20 press conference, commenting
on the liturgy in Surb Khach church on Akhtamar Island, Van, Turkey.
According to him, the Turkish Government’s gesture was not aimed
improving Turkish-Armenian relations. The main aim was to ensure
Turkish diplomatic activity in the international arena and getting a
peacemaker’s status. “The absence of a cross on the dome of the church
proves that, at the highest diplomatic level, Turkish diplomats, being
well aware of Turkey’s benefits, are regularly trying to take advantage
of any trifle and score a triumph in international processes related
to the Armenian Cause. The sooner the authorities properly assess the
situation and draw necessary conclusions the better,” Martirosyan said.
As to how well Turkey succeeded in carrying out its plans concerning
Surb Khach church, Martirosyan said: “If the sides sit down at the
diplomatic table, Turks will say a liturgy has been conducted at the
Armenian church, whereas the Armenian side did not take part in it for
some reasons. Nevertheless, the liturgy will be viewed as a positive
fact. May be Turkey failed to succeed one hundred per cent, which,
however, does not mean that it has not obtained benefits from this
process. Turkey’s benefit is minimal, but it will use it as a trump
card in international processes.”
According to Martirosyan, the subject of Surb Khach church on
Akhatamar Island has not yet been exhausted, as it is part of the
Armenian-Turkish process. The issue is most likely to be considered
settled after the Turkish authorities install a cross atop the church
for it to serve its purpose.
From: A. Papazian