Armenia’s official position on foreign policy is voiced by the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister. Ara Aivazian, Armenian Minister of Foreign Affairs stated at the special session of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Foreign Relations. He was answering the question of the Armenian Parliament’s Prosperous Armenia faction secretary Arman Abovyan about the possible normalization of the Armenian-Turkish relations voiced by different officials from different sources.

 

Foreign Minister said, only the Armenian people who survived the first genocide of the 20th century can realize the price of peace. “We are not looking for enemies. Since Armenia’s independence, Armenia has taken various initiatives to normalize relations with Turkey. The last initiative was in Zurich, annulled by Turkey.

 

What is important in both interstate and interpersonal relations is the principle of reciprocity. However, our honest initiative on the settlement without preconditions was not reciprocated by Ankara, moreover, not only has the Armenian Genocide not stopped, but it was exported to our region.

 

We realize the prospects for peace and reconciliation, but they are not just words. In order to have real peace in our region, Turkey must reconsider its aggressive policy and eliminate hostilities”, Aivazian said.

 

The Foreign Minister stated there have been many cases in history when countries have found the political will to establish good relations. He expressed hope that this understanding will come one day in Turkey.

 

To Abovyan’s clarifying question, if there are any consultations or negotiations between Armenia and Turkey at the moment, Aivazian answered, “The Foreign Ministry is not aware of a framework within which consultations or negotiations can take place with official Ankara”.