An editorial in “Hraparak” hails the latest developments in the Turkish-Armenian dialogue as “historic.” “The centuries-old wall of conflict and feud seems to be crumbling, and there is hope that there will be positive processes of good-neighborliness, mutually beneficial economic cooperation and integration of neighboring states in this region,” writes the paper.
“Aravot” criticizes the Armenian government for agreeing to the formation of a Turkish-Armenian commission of historians. “Such a formulation is certainly good for the Turks,” editorializes the paper. “Every time the issue of the Armenian genocide will be discussed in a particular country the Turks will be able to say, ‘Don’t you know that we are engaged in a dialogue with the Armenians on a historical plane? We, the two states, will settle that issue. Don’t hinder us.’ Obviously, with such arguments it is possible to thwart the genocide’s recognition by any country. But one has to finally clarify whether international recognition of the genocide and territorial claims [to Turkey] are the overriding priorities of our state. Those who will say yes or no [to this question] both deserve respect.”
“Hayots Ashkhar” also sees pitfalls for the Armenian side. The paper is worried that Turkey’s government will not rush to push the agreement with Yerevan through parliament and will continue to push its preconditions for normalizing Turkish-Armenian ties.
“Azg” reports that the North American chapter of the Liberal Democratic Party, a Diaspora-based Armenian party, welcomed the latest joint statement issued by the foreign ministries of Armenia, Turkey and Switzerland. In a statement cited by the paper, the party said that normalization of relations with Turkey would be an “important political victory” for Armenia’s leadership.
“Kapital” reports that the Armenian government has moved to introduce a new “local tax” to be collected by local self-government bodies. The paper says it would take the form of licenses for retail sales of gasoline and other fuels. “In all likelihood, this measure will be approved at the upcoming meeting of the government and then submitted to the National Assembly as a legislative initiative,” it says.
(Tigran Avetisian)
“Aravot” criticizes the Armenian government for agreeing to the formation of a Turkish-Armenian commission of historians. “Such a formulation is certainly good for the Turks,” editorializes the paper. “Every time the issue of the Armenian genocide will be discussed in a particular country the Turks will be able to say, ‘Don’t you know that we are engaged in a dialogue with the Armenians on a historical plane? We, the two states, will settle that issue. Don’t hinder us.’ Obviously, with such arguments it is possible to thwart the genocide’s recognition by any country. But one has to finally clarify whether international recognition of the genocide and territorial claims [to Turkey] are the overriding priorities of our state. Those who will say yes or no [to this question] both deserve respect.”
“Hayots Ashkhar” also sees pitfalls for the Armenian side. The paper is worried that Turkey’s government will not rush to push the agreement with Yerevan through parliament and will continue to push its preconditions for normalizing Turkish-Armenian ties.
“Azg” reports that the North American chapter of the Liberal Democratic Party, a Diaspora-based Armenian party, welcomed the latest joint statement issued by the foreign ministries of Armenia, Turkey and Switzerland. In a statement cited by the paper, the party said that normalization of relations with Turkey would be an “important political victory” for Armenia’s leadership.
“Kapital” reports that the Armenian government has moved to introduce a new “local tax” to be collected by local self-government bodies. The paper says it would take the form of licenses for retail sales of gasoline and other fuels. “In all likelihood, this measure will be approved at the upcoming meeting of the government and then submitted to the National Assembly as a legislative initiative,” it says.
(Tigran Avetisian)