Resolutions by ‘passing’ the relations
by
ÖZLEM TÜRKÖNE*

The melody of the song evokes a similar feeling for a Turk living in İstanbul or in Germany and for an Armenian living in Yerevan or in the US. This song comes from a time distant from the year 2009, when a process of normalization began in Turkish-Armenian relations; from the year 1991, when Turkey closed its borders when Armenia occupied one-fifth of Azerbaijani territory; from even before the year 1920 when the Treaty of Alexandropol was signed, or even the year 1915, when the deportation of the Ottoman Armenians took place. The song is older than all that, and while it seems to belong to very ancient and friendly times, on the other hand it rejuvenates itself with a new peace every time it is sung.

In fact, the nature of Turkish-Armenian relations is not much different from the cycle of “Sarı Gelin,” between the past and present. Even if the times of dialogue for the two countries seem to remain stuck in ancient times, lasting peace is being attempted though joint efforts.

Everything began with President Abdullah Gül’s visit to Yerevan in response to an invitation by his counterpart, Armenian President Serzh Sarksyan, to watch the World Cup qualifying match between Turkey and Armenia. First, it was soccer diplomacy that was established. While discussions continued over this surprise development, a more crucial step was taken with the announcement of a roadmap regarding the process of normalization. Finally, on Aug. 31, 2009, the protocols on the establishment of diplomatic relations and on the development of bilateral ties were penned under the auspices of Switzerland. The protocols were signed on Oct. 10, 2009 in Zurich by the foreign ministers of Turkey and Armenia and with the participation of the foreign ministers of the US, France, Russia and Switzerland and the high representative of the EU for foreign policy. Here, it is very significant to point out the common initiative of the world’s powers on behalf of the region’s peace and stability. Moreover, it is also good news that the Minsk Group, which had been too slow to deal with the problem, has accelerated its work on the issue with the impetus generated by the protocols.

This fact indicates that the protocols definitely serve a purpose that is not only about Turkey and Armenia’s interests but also influences the entire region. This purpose stems from the need for a stronger and more secure South Caucasus. The reason one needs a more secure South Caucasus is the  Russian-Georgian war that occurred in August 2008. The war proved how situations are susceptible to any changes or maneuvers and how the whole world first and foremost is concerned about the establishment of security and stability.

The parties indicated their support after the announcement of the protocols by stating that they evaluate very positively the attempts by the two countries’ governments on the way to normalization. However, while it was expected to lead to more concrete results aimed at ensuring stability, that has not been realized. A powerful state such as the United States wants to please the Armenian diaspora since many of them can vote in US elections, instead of taking an initiative to please the Armenians living in Yerevan by executing a more discreet policy in the South Caucasus. The Foreign Affairs Committee of the US House of Representatives has just revealed that it failed to see the big picture by approving a resolution recognizing the Armenian allegations 23-22. This development disappointingly refers to an absolute lack of vision since the need for stability and security in the Caucasus is undoubtedly more critical than any short-term satisfaction of American voters; it also represents a vital issue for the US in terms of its regional concerns.

An Armenia that has established diplomatic ties with the West as a more powerful country in terms of economy and politics will always be preferable for the US. It will be a major step for Armenia in this direction when normalization with Turkey is achieved. The South Caucasus has to be stable from the viewpoint of the US for the simple reason that it is adjacent to the energy deposits located in the Caspian Basin as well as being a very important crossroads for transport lines. The security of the energy supply requires this aim. It is the desire to prevent conflicts in the region and maintain energy security that lies behind President Barack Obama’s unconditional support for the normalization process. During his first trip overseas after being elected, during a speech he made in the Turkish Parliament on April 6, 2009, Obama had emphasized why the United States strongly supports the full normalization of relations between Turkey and Armenia and underlined that Turkey was “poised to be the only country in the region to have normal and peaceful relations with all the South Caucasus nations.”

It is very contradictory for a US concerned about stability in the Caucasus to pass the so-called genocide resolution that led to the deterioration of relations with Turkey. In the viewpoint of Turkey over the Caucasus, considering that it has had good relations with Georgia, Russia and Azerbaijan for so long, the missing link seems to be Armenia. Confusion over the political environment in Armenia, the difficulties in the economy, migration and an unemployment rate that increases every year dragged the country into a stalemate. However, when the process of normalization was established, some power line projects were planned to pass through Armenia, which is currently having difficulty in attracting foreign investment. When these alternatives are realized, Armenia will gain a strategic advantage besides receiving regular income. Armenia has been experiencing isolation in the international arena due to occupying Azerbaijani territory and the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The continuation of isolation is not a situation that can be endured by Yerevan any longer. Armenia, while it had been a country communicating with the outside world through the channels of Iran and Georgia, will view the world from a new window by establishing relations with Turkey. This will only be possible if, and only if, Armenia can give up its support for a history that is being abused as a tool to achieve political goals. The Armenian diaspora plays a crucial role right here. If the diaspora had really been sensitive about their people, they would have contributed to developments that would benefit Armenians living in Armenia. But, on the contrary, they always chose to establish a diaspora union within the United States keeping the events of 1915 alive, and regrettably they failed to develop empathy with their brothers.

We all remember the tragedies of 1915. The end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th went down in the record books with pain, tears and blood. The situation is no different for most of the people in the world, including Turks and Armenians. But a similar disgraceful history will inevitably be designed in the future as long as today’s politicians continue to concern themselves with issues that are within the purview of historians and periodically bring them to the agenda.

Because of the issue on the world scene, the present day is exposed to all these interventions, and today’s young people will judge us in 30 years on basis of the opportunities we missed.

As underlined by Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu, “If an adviser had whispered ‘no’ instead of ‘yes’ in the ear of a member of the House of Representatives, the vote would have come out differently. Can history be treated in such an unserious manner?” History, which should be investigated and interpreted by experts, cannot be decided in this manner and therefore trivialized.

Besides Mr. Minister’s statements, Turkey made clear its attitude by recalling its newly appointed ambassador to Washington, Namık Tan, for consultations a few minutes after the vote. “He will not be sent back unless we get a clear sign on the outcome of the situation regarding the Armenian resolution,” Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated. All these developments represent an undesired portrait in terms of Turkish-American relations. The relations between the two countries have roots deep enough such that they should not have to be considered through the lens of the Armenian perspective.

Turkish-American relations have a history of more than 200 years with their occasional ups and downs but always with the aim of reaching the common goals of peace and freedom in the world. Turkey ranks second -- behind the US -- in the number of forces available for NATO missions, and even this fact merely can indicate how vital relations with Turkey are for the US. Besides being a founding member of the Council of Europe, Turkey is a real asset as the only country to be simultaneously a member of the G20, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council as well holding the presidency of Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) as a secular state with a majority Muslim population. As a democratic, social state governed by the rule of law, Turkey continues to represent a model for all the countries in the region. In his speech in the Turkish Parliament, President Obama pointed out the importance of Turkey in the region by stating that “here is what they don’t understand: Turkey’s greatness lies in your ability to be at the center of things.” Therefore, it will certainly be Turkey’s closest ally, the US, that will most benefit from a Turkey which has created a zone of peace and thus can plant its power outside of its boundaries.

As the years roll by, all patterns and status quos will be replaced just like rolling stones. However, sometimes a folk song overcomes all ages and reminds us that a fact that cannot be distorted or replaced: Peace and reconciliation are always possible; they are possible at all times. If the United States and Armenia can see the forest instead of focusing on the trees and motivate themselves about peace and security instead of dabbling in the field of historians, the songs will be free to perform the facts that have been shown to us for ages.