Turkey not a state for Russia, United States to establish friendship with – Ara Papyan

In an interview with Tert.am Head of the Modus Vivendi center Ara Papyan commented on the fact that Turkish President Recep Erdogan reminded his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin of the Crimea.

He noted that Turkey does not forgive when someone treads on its foot, whereas “but for Russian Bolsheviks, Turkey would certainly not have its present-day borders.”

As regards recognition of the Armenian Genocide, Mr Papyan said that Turkey is more afraid of its own society.

“If they do, with half of Turkey’s population not considering themselves Turks, the other half will develop a complex, and Turkey may prove unable to stand the blow,” he said.

The Turkish president stated that, before speaking of the Armenian Genocide, Russia should recall its actions in the Crimea and Ukraine.

“In Turkey’s policy we see attempts to draw parallels and comparisons. Their being right or wrong does not make Turkey’s guilt less serious. The issue of the Crimea is entirely different than the Armenian Genocide. Erdogan and Turkey have given different hints about other acts of genocide, telling Americans that they had exterminated Indians. This is evidence of Turkey’s policy being not serious. And both Russia and the United States should draw conclusions, namely, Turkey is not a state they can establish friendship with. Turkey is not a reliable partner. Let us compare what Russia did to us and to them – both good and bad. The reason for the loss of Armenian statehood and territory in 1920-1922 was Russians supplies of weapons and gold to Kemalists. And but for Russian Bolsheviks, Turkey would certainly not have its present-day borders, whereas Armenia’s territory would be much larger. However, since we have common strategic interests, we forgive many things. But we can see Turkey’s reaction. The only thing Putin did is that he arrived in Armenia and did not even use the word ‘genocide’ in his official speech.”

Armenian FM Edward Nalbandian stated that Turkey’s accusations against Russia, Germany, France and the Vatican do not at all prove that all of them are “bad.” Turkey must be well aware of the situation it is in now.

“I think that statements by President Erdogan and others are intended for the domestic audience... Admitting the Armenian Genocide is much more dangerous in terms of shaking Turkey inside. If they do, with half of Turkey’s population not considering themselves Turks, the other half will develop a complex, and Turkey may prove unable to stand the blow.”