I just found an interesting article about the signing of the protocols on the BBC News web site. Seems Prime Minister Erdogan is stating that Turkey will sign the protocols on October 10–the signing was originally set for October 13 as I previously posted. It could happen even sooner if they keep things under wraps like they did just before the protocols were unveiled. Take a look at the complete text below:
Turkey, Armenia to restore ties
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said his country will sign a deal to establish diplomatic relations with Armenia on 10 October.
Mr Erdogan said the deal would still need parliamentary approval in Turkey and Armenia after being signed by their foreign ministers.
The two countries remain deeply divided over the fate Armenians suffered under Turkish Ottoman rule.
A roadmap for normalising relations between them was agreed in April.
Anticipation of a diplomatic breakthrough had been growing ahead of a planned visit by Armenian President Serge Sarkisian to Turkey on 14 October.
He is due to attend the return leg of a World Cup qualifying football match between the two countries.
Turkey has resisted widespread calls for it to recognise the mass killing of Armenians during World War I as an act of genocide.
Armenia says 1.5 million people died. Turkey insists it was not genocide and that that figure is inflated.
This means Turkey is ready to go through with it despite repeated calls for a resolution to the Nagorno-Karabagh issue before the protocols can be signed. One is lead to believe that the peace deal make come through by October 10, or Turkey is simply desperate to push the protocols through to resolve the Armenian question once and for all. The sooner the protocols are signed, the sooner that international Genocide recognition will be irrelevant, especially with the formation of the historical commission to determine whether genocide indeed occurred. There won’t be any claims for land reparations either. Then with Armenia playing ball, Turkey will incorporate it under its hegemony and socioeconomic sphere. Russia won’t care about Armenia anymore since it is forming tight bonds with Azerbaijan. In the meantime the Armenian nation will fade into the twilight of assimilation, thereby erasing the Armenian identity. Say goodbye to the Republic of Armenia within the next 50 years. Armenians will become a classic textbook case of a forgotten people. It will be a true demonstration of genius on the part of Turkey. That is, assuming the protocols are ratified.
Am I wrong? Somebody write a comment.
What you’re describing is fear. But given our experiences and history, it’s a very real possibility. There is justification for taking such a future seriously.
I don’t believe the Armenian administration has the ability to stand firm against Turkey as it will surely push and dominate Armenia. The expectation that the Turkish government will take a peaceful and patient form of annihilation policy towards Armenia is to be expected.
Just like 100 years ago, Armenians are in the way.
Fear is not unfounded, but it is also a result of an inferiority complex. Why are we always thinking of doomsday theories? One example: The Turkey-Georgia border has been open for the last 18 years. Do we see widespread assimilation in Georgia? After all Georgia is also in the way, right?And may I remind you that we’re talking about Georgians, the nation with the LEAST “balls” in the region. Let’s look at Greece Bulgaria (where traditionally and for a long time Turkish population has been 9% of total). Do we see assimilation? They are also eternal enemies of Turkey yet borders have been always open.
We were in the mighty Soviet Empire for 70 years. Wasn’t there a risk of Russian assimilation? We were in the Ottoman Empire for 500 years. Wasn’t there a risk of assimilation? But we are STILL HERE!
I say one thing: it is ALL in our hands. You have respect for rule of law, justice , equality, with a dose of healthy patriotism and trust me the country becomes an oasis. Let’s not blame the Turks. It is TOTALLY in our hands. Besides did we really think that the border should stay closed for another 200 years? Isn’t it naivete or laziness to plan with that? Even with Turkey admitting the Genocide and giving us back our lands, and then opening the borders, would that get rid of the risk of assimilation?
Nonsense.