YEREVAN (Yerkir)–Responding to a question about the Armenian Revolutionary Federation’s (ARF) readiness to establish normal relations with Turkey–ARF Bureau representative Hrant Margarian said the ARF believes that Armenia’should not give in to the Turkish preconditions to establish relations.
"It is not the ARF–but Armenia that is to have normal relations with Turkey. It is the hostile position of the Turkish government toward Armenia that obstructs the normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations; since Armenia’s independence–Turkey has refused to establish diplomatic relations with Armenia. Moreover–it has imposed a blockade since 1993," said Margarian.
In the interview posted on Yerkir’s website–Margarian added–"The process of establishing ‘normal relations’ between the two countries would not succeed unless Turkey recognizes its responsibility for the Armenian Genocide." For full interview–visit www.Yerkir.am.
Speaking on the issue of government corruption–Margarian said–"The struggle against corruption is a continuous process and requires a hard work?we are relentless in this issue–though we should admit we are not satisfied with the results."
When asked about recent statemen’s made by some government officials on the Karabagh issue–the ARF Bureau representative stated–"Until the Karabagh issue has been settled–our people have the right and should sensitively follow the statemen’s and positions of any politician–but we should know that if you agree to engage in talks you should be ready for concessions. What is important here is what you concede. We began to concede when we accepted the cease-fire and when we put off the declaration on reuniting Karabagh with the Republic of Armenia. But if some wish to agree to give up a part of the homeland or independence–they are going to fail."