Vartan Oskanian spoke about his newly-published book of speeches, Speaking To Be Heard. The book includes nearly 100 statements delivered during the decade of his two terms as foreign minister. He reflected on the fact that Armenia’s foreign policy, as well as global developments of that decade, are reflected in the various statements. He also expressed confidence that the book will be useful to those studying the history of the Armenian Republic, and to future generations who want a better understanding of the challenges facing us, at this time in history.

Speaking about the title of the book, Vartan Oskanian explained that the purpose of these speeches in international forums was to be heard by policymakers, and that he did that by always trying to speak about Armenia’s problems and challenges in the wider context of international issues.

The Armenian title of the book, Anavart Tasnameak (Incomplete Decade), is for him a reference to the fact that he considers the work of that decade still unfinished for him, because a lot has been promised, a lot has been planned but still to be fulfilled. Many hopes and prospects expressed in his speeches during his ministerial years still have not been fulfilled. This is as true for foreign relations as it is for the country’s domestic development. Because, as Vartan Oskanian put it, the domestic situation affects greatly a country’s positions in the international arena.

The journalists focused on Vartan Oskanian’s analysis of the recent developments in Turkish-Armenian relations. Responding to a question about whether there is room for optimism on this issue, considering Turkey’s Prime Minister Erdogan’s clear statement that the Turkish-Armenian border can only be opened after the Karabakh conflict is resolved, Vartan Oskanian stated, “The situation has, of late, become confusing.” “On the one hand,” he explained, “there is Erdogan’s statement that Turkish-Armenian relations can be improved only after the Karabakh resolution, on the other hand the Armenian side says there is continuing progress in Turkish-Armenian relations.” Vartan Oskanian believes that if one puts these two statements together, there is room for serious concern.

According to Oskanian, Turkey is interested in the publicity gained from the process. Turkish diplomacy is exploiting this publicity in the international arena, without seeming to be giving Armenia anything in return. “With every passing day that the border continues to remain closed, in terms of diplomacy, Turkey gains,” Mr. Oskanian said. He believes that Armenia will benefit from this very public process only when Turkey opens the border.

“The Armenian side has to set a clear deadline. If the document (on establishing diplomatic relations) is signed by then, fine; if not, Armenia should pull out of the process.” The Turkish side is exploiting this situation, he said, by telling the international community, that there is a reconciliation process, and therefore, the international community should refrain from Genocide recognition process; or they call on the international community to put pressure on Armenia to move forward on a Karabakh resolution, stating that this is the only obstacle to the signing of the Turkish-Armenian document, that is almost agreed between the sides. “It’s very easy to exploit that document, stating that there is an agreement on various difficult issues. The US and Europe will consider that if the rest is agreed, let’s now concentrate on Karabakh, especially now, that the Turkish side does not insist on a comprehensive solution, but only calls the Armenian side to agree to some compromises. It’s really easy to exploit an unsigned document, I myself have done it several times,” Mr. Oskanian stated.

Answering the question on how the Armenian side could avoid such an unfavorable situation, Vartan Oskanian said, “My preference would have been if the Turkish-Armenian talks were confidential. Even if we had a 10 percent doubt, that the Turks are only interested in the process, not the results, even if there was a little doubt, we perhaps should have abstained from making the process so public.” Vartan Oskanian said he believes that only when the talks are confidential will it be clear if the Turks are genuine in their intentions to normalize the relations.

Answering questions on the domestic situation and internal democratic processes, Vartan Oskanian said he would agree with some who have said that last year was indeed a year of missed opportunities.

April 17, 2009