Armenia Denies Clinton Remarks On ‘History Commission’ Creation

ARMENIA DENIES CLINTON REMARKS ON ‘HISTORY COMMISSION’ CREATION

Asbarez
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Mar 23rd, 2010

YEREVAN-Armenia’s foreign ministry Tuesday countered earlier statements
by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who said that the process to
create a historic commission, as envisioned by the Armenia-Turkey
protocols, has already begun.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tigran Balayan said that the creation
of a historic commission cannot happen without the ratification of
the protocols by the parliaments of Turkey and Armenia.

During an interview in Moscow with Vladimir Pozner and in response
to a question on whether President Obama has abandoned his campaign
promise to recognize the Armenian Genocide, Clinton said: "I don’t
think anyone has forgotten, but what has happened that is of great
import is the work going on between Turkey and Armenia. In fact,
I was in Zurich last fall with the foreign ministers of Turkey,
Armenia, Russia, France, other countries to witness the signing of
a set of protocols to normalize relationships between Armenia and
Turkey. And in those protocols, there was an agreement between the
two countries to establish a historical commission that would look
at all of the issues that are part of the past."

"And I think that’s the right way to go, I think, to have the two
countries and the two peoples focusing on this themselves. I have
said many times we cannot change the past we inherit. All we can do
is try to have a better future," added Clinton.

When asked whether the commission exists, Clinton said: "They’re
working to create it," and reaffirmed the creation upon further
inquiry.

"Not until the protocols are ratified will steps envisioning
normalization of relations and opening of the Armenia-Turkey border
be taken," Balayan, the spokesman for Armenia’s foreign ministry,
told Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty Armenia service.

Balayan added that the Armenian Genocide issue was not a matter
of discussion.

"As has been said on numerous occasions by the country’s president
and foreign minister, the veracity of the Genocide is not a topic of
discussion. Armenia hasn’t discussed it, nor will discuss the veracity
of the Genocide," added Balayan.