This historic event took place at the University of Zurich, where in 1946, Sir Winston Churchill delivered his famous speech about European integration. This was a supplementary signal indicating that this agreement inaugurates a new period.This accord has disturbed those who are incapable of defining themselves or justifying their presence without foes or without conflict. No matter what, this deal constitutes the first step of a long process, allowing people to analyze their views. It also demonstrates that reaching an agreement is possible even when serious bilateral problems remain unresolved and that courageous initiatives are conceivable elsewhere, too, for example between India and Pakistan, Palestine and Israel or Armenia and Azerbaijan.
The joint decision of both the Armenian and Turkish governments to deal with their bilateral problems through a series of initiatives has put pressure on third countries and politicians who were benefiting from the actual antagonist situation. That's why we hear loud protests. It's not even necessary to look at foreign countries; a quick look inside Turkey is enough to observe the anxiety this development has created.
The protocols were signed in a difficult atmosphere marked by many crises. Notwithstanding their content, the very existence of these protocols represents high risks for both countries' political authorities who have chosen to enter into a minefield. Their respective oppositions are eager to see these “mines” explode one after another, but they shouldn't forget that this event is far bigger than the Turkish or Armenian governments. This process is strongly supported by the United States, Russia and the European Union, and that's why refusing this rapprochement is nothing less than opposing the basic dynamics of the global system.
In Turkey, the main opposition party is convinced that the text of this deal was dictated by Armenia and that the Turkish government has accepted it without any objection. They are also convinced that there exists only one political current in Armenia or that all Armenians can be represented by the nationalist Dashnaktsutyun Party. If you believe the opposition, Armenia has asked for “everything,” which means that the Armenian government wanted to modify the border and claimed territory from Turkey and then the Turkish government said, “OK, no problem.” In addition, the opposition supposes that Turkey has also accepted a compromise about the “genocide” issue. If this is true, why do people throw eggs at President Serzh Sarksyan shouting he's a traitor? According to our opposition, these protesters are unnecessarily worried; they are simply ignoring the fact that Turkey has submitted to every condition imposed by Armenia.
When someone asks the opposition why Turkey had to sign such a negative deal, which is presented as something like a new version of the 1920 Treaty of Sèvres, they have an explanation: Foreign powers have forced Turkey to sign these protocols and to accept rigid (!) conditions such as establishing diplomatic relations with Armenia or launching a process of cooperation. These are the same foreign powers that are also doing everything possible to destroy, divide or destabilize Turkey. So if we follow this logic, we must believe that US President Barack Obama, who has just won the Nobel Peace Prize, has decided to divide Turkey by using Armenia. Here comes the conclusion: As long as Turkey's opposition parties remain as such, implementing these protocols will not encounter many obstacles.
