Karen Ghazaryan
Public Radio of Armenia
For the first time ever Armenia has been invited to attend the Turkish President’s swearing-in ceremony. Armenia participates in the inauguration ceremony on the level of the Foreign Minister. According to expert of Turkish studies Hakob Chakryan, this is the lowest level of participation and added that the President’s participation would be unacceptable and condemnable.
Representatives from 75 countries participate in Erdogan’s inauguration, including 14 President, a number of Prime Ministers and Foreign Ministers. “Some say Armenia could be represented at the ceremony at a lower level, but such events usually provide a good opportunity to participants to meet and talks to each other. Therefore, if Armenia was represented at a lower level, it would isolate the Armenian delegation,” he said.
The United States and Germany are represented at the inauguration at a much lower level, and Erdogan’s pro-Islamic views are the reason of this, the expert said, adding that “Armenia cannot afford what the superpowers can.”
Speaking about the Turkish President’s possible participation in the commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide in Yerevan, Chakryan said “it’s improbable, as for taking such a step Turkey must first refuse from its policy of denial, the Turkish Parliament must recognize the Armenian Genocide, after which the President should issue a written apology,” he said.
“As Turkey has no intention to refuse from denialism, Turkish Presidents will not visit Armenia on April 24,” Chakryan said.
According to the expert, we are more interested in the recognition of the Armenian Genocide by the US, as in this case the US – as a full superpower – will take the responsibility of eliminating the consequences of the Genocide.
“Turkey is now waiting for the Genocide centennial to decide upon the future of Armenian-Turkish relations,” Hakob Chakryan said.
