The Armenian Community & Church Council of Great Britain (ACCC) has followed with deep concern the developments which have on the 10th of October 2009 culminated in the signing of the Protocols for the establishment of Diplomatic relations between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey.

The ACCC respects the absolute right of the Government of Armenia, as a Sovereign State, to enter into Agreements which they consider would benefit in one way or another the State and population of the Republic of Armenia and we hope and pray that Agreements between Armenia and Turkey, as with all other States, result in the establishment of good neighbourly and Diplomatic relations, peaceful co-existence, and the improvement of the economic status of Armenia and its population.

The ACCC unreservedly reaffirms its support of the Independent Republic of Armenia, and would under all circumstances do all within its abilities to make certain that Armenia flourishes as an independent State and maintains a position in the World as a respected, honourable and peaceful State, enjoying good neighbourly relations with all its neighbours.

However, the ACCC wishes to express its strong reservations at the wisdom of entering into the Agreements defined by the Protocols as it considers that there are certain provisions within them which would be detrimental to the interests of the Armenian Nation.

The Agreements involve the concession of historical Armenian heritage, human and legal rights, and the recognition of – and reparation for – the crime of Genocide committed against Armenians in Ottoman Turkey between 1915 and 1921 by introducing an element of doubt to the veracity of the Genocide.

We therefore sincerely hope that the Government and National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia will take into consideration the serious concerns expressed by communities and organisations within Armenia as well as the Diaspora and will act accordingly during their deliberations for the ratification of the Agreements.