TURKEY, ARMENIA WORK TO BRIDGE DIFFERENCES
by Jennifer Campbell, Citizen Special
Ottawa Citizen
October 21, 2009 Wednesday
Canada
Both the Turkish Ambassador and the Armenian chargd’affaires in
Ottawa are cautiously optimistic at this early point in their mutual
countries’ rapprochement.
Turkish Ambassador Rafet Akgunay hopes the protocols the two countries
signed last week will turn into an agreement to bring peace and
security to their borders and the entire region.
"I think it’s going to be an incentive for all of us in the region,"
Akgunay said last week. "Each one of us has different priorities but
it’s an incentive for all concerned, whether it’s the Minsk group,
or individual countries."
Arman Akopian, Armenia’s man in Ottawa, said "in Turkey, there is
very strong opposition to these protocols, so we are waiting and we
believe that no artificial obstacles should go into the reconciliation
process. It’s for the benefit of both countries. We want good relations
with all our neighbours."
Turkey had proposed a discussion in 2005 on one of the issues that has
caused the rift, namely their dispute over what to call what Turkey
refers to as "the events of 1915" and Armenia terms a genocide. But
after two recent meetings held around European soccer matches,
the leaders of both countries have agreed to try to put aside their
differences in the interest of peace and economic prosperity.
"It will create a better atmosphere in the region," Akopian said, when
asked about what Armenia stands to gain if the two countries settle
their differences. "It will bring mutual trust. It will contribute
to the settlement of conflicts. There are economic benefits as well
because Turkey’s a huge market with 70 million people. And, of course,
this border is the last remaining segment of the Iron Curtain which
existed during the Cold War. This is the last segment of the Berlin
Wall that still exists."
Although there’s hope between Turkey and Armenia, a third party,
Azerbaijan, has begun wielding its own economic wealth in the wake
of the historic détente. Turkey has traditionally been Azerbaijan’s
ally in its conflict with Armenia, which has occupied Nagorno Karabakh,
a region in Azerbaijan with a largely Armenian population, for nearly
two decades. Monday, the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Ottawa released a
statement on the subject.
"Normalization of relations between Turkey and Armenia can not yield
positive results for the region, unless Armenia completely withdraws
from all occupied Azerbaijani territories," the statement reads.
"Until withdrawal of the Armenian forces from all the occupied
territories, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region, Azerbaijan will
not consider any co-operation with the republic of Armenia. Once
Armenia is ready to recognize the territorial integrity of Turkey,
Azerbaijan has a natural right to demand the same attitude to the
other states of the region, including Azerbaijan."
Although he didn’t specifically link his comments to the rapprochement,
Azerbaijan’s president last week noted that the country has been
selling its gas to Turkey for one third of market prices.
The Turkish ambassador realizes there are obstacles but said that
signing the protocols is still an important step forward. "It’s also
important for the third parties to refrain from the policies that
would not be helpful and would discourage the two governments."
The Armenian diaspora in Canada has complained vociferously about
the protocols, saying that Turkey must acknowledge the genocide —
and use that term — before they will accept the process.
"You have to understand the diaspora is a product of the genocide —
they are in Canada because of the genocide," Akopian said. "It’s very
painful for them and it’s quite understandable, especially in countries
which, unlike Canada, have not recognized the genocide." (In 2004,
Canada voted to adopt a private member’s bill that acknowledged what it
previously called "the tragedy of 1915" as a genocide and crime against
humanity. Turkey responded by temporarily recalling its ambassador.)
On the subject of the terminology for the events of 1915, Turkish
ambassador Akgunay said: "I would simply say the protocols speak for
themselves. For the diaspora, it would be a wiser approach if they
support the process and help their country economically and use this
opportunity for the development of Armenia which is in need of this
kind of support."
Climate change panel
The Canadian International Council’s National Capital Branch will
host a panel Dec. 1 on the issues facing the Copenhagen climate change
conference. Panelists include British High Commissioner Anthony Cary;
David McLaughlin, president of the national round table on energy and
the environment; and Glen Toner, a professor at Carleton University’s
school of public policy and administration. Those interested can
pre-register by e-mail at [email protected],
by calling 613-520-3916, or by faxing 613-520-3981. Visit
for details.
Jennifer Campbell is a freelance writer and editor in Ottawa. Reach
her at [email protected]
www.canadianinternationalcouncil.org/ottawa