CUMHURIYET- Columnist Ozgen Acar writes on the recent EP report on Caucasian relations. A summary of his column is as follows:
I believe for certain that the European Parliamentarians who voted in favor of the decision regarding the so-called Armenian genocide are either ignorant or acting deliberately. It is obvious that to bring up the old tragic incidents, which occurred during a war, a century ago can't possibly do any good for Turkish-Armenian-Azerbaijan relations. What is the purpose in reiterating this decision once accepted in 1987, and to whom does it serve? Aren't the European parliamentarians aware of today's facts? The European Parliament didn't take any decision regarding Armenia's occupation of 20% of Azerbaijan's territory, forcing tens of thousands of Azerbaijanis off their land. Instead of digging up old historical wounds, why aren't they concerned with the present-day drama? They are insensitive to those facts. They may think that 20% of the land may not be enough for Armenia, so it should acquire more. In fact we cannot understand why the US imposed an embargo against Azerbaijan while Armenia in fact was the occupying power. However, despite the efforts of the Armenian lobby, the US government is lifting the embargo. Independent republics formed following the disintegration of the Soviet Union had given each political note that the former borders were valid for them too. The border between Turkey and the USSR was drawn up by the Moscow and Ardahan agreements in 1921. Yerevan did not give such a note to Turkey, which was one of the first countries to recognize its independence. Why are the EP members ignoring the facts of the present day? The US and certain EU countries are launching initiatives in Ankara for the lifting of the embargo and blockade of Armenia, and for the opening of the railways and border gates in order that the poor Armenians should not starve. As if Turkey had implemented an embargo or a blockade against the 'poor' state which has occupied 20% of one of its neighbors' territories and covets the lands of the other, as if Armenian airplanes do not land at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport four times a week, as if Armenians do not benefit from the same facility recognized a US citizen by paying for their visas at the border. Furthermore, they fly through Turkey's airspace in line with the Chicago Agreement, and 60% of the goods in Yerevan markets are of Turkish origin.
SOURCE: OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER, DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF PRESS AND INFORMATION