Presidential leadership

Published: Thursday September 24, 2009

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With the publication on August 31 of the agreement negotiated between Turkey and Armenia on the establishment of bilateral relations, Armenian society naturally began an intensive debate about the agreement.

A vigorous debate about the first Armenian-Turkish agreement is not only natural; it is useful. It gives us an opportunity to reaffirm certain values and also to rethink some assumptions.

Thus, Armenians in Armenia and the diaspora alike are reaffirming a commitment to cultivating healthy relations with neighboring states.

Likewise, Armenians in Armenia and the diaspora alike are reaffirming a commitment to pursuing universal affirmation of the Armenian Genocide - and restitution for the people, the civilization, and the patrimony destroyed by the Turkish state.

At the same time, Armenians are rethinking the assumption that Turkey and Azerbaijan necessarily share the same interests and will always cover for each other. Of course, Turkey will have to provide more evidence of its commitment to its stated foreign policy of zero problems with neighbors, but Armenians stand ready to consider that evidence in good faith.

Another assumption long held is that the route to Turkey's recognition of the Armenian Genocide will go through recognition of the Genocide by world powers. It is now possible to conceive of alternative scenarios. These will become more credible if Turkey takes specific steps like decriminalizing acknowledgement of the Genocide.

While this debate continues in Armenian society, a couple of tendencies ought to be avoided.

One thing to avoid is making personal attacks. In the face of President Barack Obama's ambitious agenda - addressing the financial and economic crisis he inherited and putting into place more effective government oversight of financial institutions, winding down the occupation of Iraq, intensifying the Afghanistan war, and calling for massive changes in the U.S. healthcare system, among other things - some of his opponents have taken the low road of questioning his character and his patriotism. Armenians need to avoid taking that road, which is a poor and ugly substitute for debating the substance of issues.

Another thing to avoid is self-depreciation. How often do we hear people saying "Armenians are naïve; Turks are clever." We really need to respect ourselves and give ourselves the benefit of the doubt.

In this matter, the Armenian government has an important role to play. It needs to engage and persuade civil society. Just as President Obama has taken to the airwaves to explain his policies, advocate for them, and respond to his critics, Armenia's President Serge Sargsian has begun an intensive outreach effort. Having called for such an effort in our recent editorial, "A time for more public diplomacy," (July 18), we are pleased now to welcome it.

The president invited the leaders of all of Armenia's political parties to a lengthy consultation. He met with the heads of media organizations last week. He is heading out to the Middle East, Europe, and the United States to consult with the leaders of community organizations. He cannot expect to persuade everybody, but most people will listen respectfully and make the effort to understand the president's policy choices. He, in turn, will have a chance to hear people's concerns and - in a manner analogous to President Obama - consider reflecting them in his policies.

We look forward to continuing this engagement.