ATTITUDE OF THE DIASPORA TO THE PROCESS OF NORMALIZATION OF ARMENIAN-TURKISH RELATIONS IN 2009

Abstract

Armenian-Turkish relations have always been in the center of attention of Armenian socio-political circles. Especially in the Diaspora, this question caused a very ticklish reaction. Since 1991, several attemts were made to normalize relations between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey, but they did not lead to any results, since Turkey always put forward unacceptable preconditions for Armenia.

The most effective attempt to regulate relations between Armenia and Turkey was initiated by the president of Republic of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan. However, the signing of the Armenian-Turkish protocols on October 10, 2009 led to a very strong opposition of Armenians, especially Armenians of the Diaspora. Gatherings of protest signatures, demonstrations, meetings were organized. There was also a small part of diaspora, that spoke out for regulation of the process.

We can state that the overwhelming majority of people and organizations of the diaspora expressed their strong dissatisfaction with the process of Armenian-Turkish settlement and tried in every way to stop it, because they believed that the signed protocols include many preconditions that are dangerous for the Armenia and the Armenian people.  It can also be noted that a number of internal and external political circumstances on both sides prevented the successful course of this process.