Azerbaijan, Baku, Jan. 25 / Trend E.Tariverdiyeva /
Armenian Center for National and International Studies Director Richard Giragosian believes the Armenian Constitutional Court's decision to approve the Turkish-Armenian protocols is just a formality.
"Based on the Armenian constitution, this is a necessary first step toward later ratification by the Armenian parliament," he told Trend via e-mail. "Moreover, the lack of independence of the Armenian court system also meant that the court was unlikely to go against the wishes of the Armenian government, which was determined to secure a positive assessment of the protocols."
Jan.13, Armenia's Constitutional Court recognized the Armenian-Turkish protocols consistent with the constitution, Novosti-Armenia reported.
Turkish and Armenian foreign ministers, Ahmet Davutoglu and Edward Nalbandian, signed the Ankara-Yerevan protocols in Zurich Oct. 10.
Diplomatic relations between Armenia and Turkey have been broken due to Armenia's claims of an alleged genocide, and its occupation of Azerbaijani lands. The border between them has been closed since 1993.
According to the Giragosian, there is nothing unusual or inappropriate in the court's decision.
"I find Turkey's reaction not only disingenuous but unfair, as there was never any doubt over the Armenian side's commitment to ensure a speedy passage of the protocols," he added.
Jan. 19, the Turkish Foreign Ministry issued a statement which indicated that the Armenian Constitutional Court's decision contains "pre-conditions and restrictive provisions that contrary to the letter and spirit of the protocols," Anadolu reported.
He said it seems that Turkey's protest is rooted more in Turkey's domestic politics. In connection with this new crisis, Turkey is looking to create a new political "justification" to withdraw from the protocols, he believes.
But that would be a serious setback, and a repudiation of all obligations and expectations.
According to Giragosian, the crisis between the countries is growing and Turkey only stokes the fire.
"At the moment, this process has already stalled and slowed down significantly, I am increasingly worried that Turkey may have derailed the entire effort on its accord," he said.
"Hopefully, both sides can recover and find a new way beyond this rather exaggerated crisis."
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