“Zhoghovurd” comments on a resolution by the California State Legislature urging the U.S. government to recognize Nagorno-Karabakh as an independent state. The paper says that while this and similar resolutions passed by four other U.S. states are non-binding they create a “certain positive political background” for Armenia and Karabakh which should not be underestimated. The paper dismisses Azerbaijani claims that the California bill was “bought” by the Armenian-American lobby. It argues that California, which is home to many ethnic Armenian voters, was not the first U.S. state to pass such legislation.
“Zhamanak” says that reactions in Armenia to Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian’s participation in the inauguration of Turkey’s new President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday have been mostly negative. The paper says that the public debate on the issue is too emotional. It complains that the Armenian government’s decision last year to join the Russian-led Customs Union caused far less controversy.
“Hraparak” rejects the criticism of Nalbandian’s trip to Ankara, saying that was an “gesture of elementary courtesy.” The absence of diplomatic relations between Armenia and Turkey does not mean that Yerevan should have necessarily been represented at Erdogan’s inauguration ceremony by a lower-level official, writes the paper. “Our nationalists are fed by hatred, closed borders, and escalation of conflicts with neighbors,” it says.
“Aravot” questions opposition claims that constitutional amendments planned by President Serzh Sarkisian are aimed at prolonging his rule. “Power can be maintained or lost under any constitution,” writes the paper. It believes that Armenia’s four main opposition parties will make a mistake if they put this issue high on their common political agenda.
(Tigran Avetisian)