The Pitfalls of a Historical Commission by K.M. Greg Sarkissian

When reviewing the recently signed Protocols regarding diplomatic relations between Armenia and Turkey, given that settling the border is a sovereign right, that Armenia’s elected leaders have never stated they have territorial claims on Turkey, and that the Karabagh conflict is not explicitly part of the Protocols, what remains for debate is the "sub-commission on the historical dimension."

In the words of the Protocols, the purpose of the sub-commission on the historical dimension is “to restore mutual confidence between the two nations, including an impartial scientific examination of the historical records and archives to define existing problems and formulate recommendations.”

The Politics of Genocide and the Turkey-Armenia Protocols by Prof. Roger W. Smith

We must approach all cases of genocide as part of world history. If we believe in “Never again” and want to prevent future genocides, we must treat such epochal events as part of the universal experience and of concern to all.

James Traub writes the following in an October 18 New York Times review of Daniel Goldhagen’s new book, Worse than War: Genocide, Eliminationism, and the Ongoing Assault on Humanity:

Open Letter re the Protocols to Pres. Sargsyan from Prof. Roger W. Smith, Chair

Dear President Sargsyan:

The Protocols for establishing diplomatic relations between Armenia and Turkey, although intended to help normalize relations between the two countries, raise serious questions about the process, and contain pitfalls, which I have set out below for your kind consideration.

My interest in the Protocols arises from being a scholar of genocide studies for most of my career, a founder of the International Association of Genocide Scholars, Chairman of the Academic Board of Directors of the Zoryan Institute, and a recipient of the Movses Khorenatsi Medal last year, awarded by you, Mr. President, for my “considerable contribution to the international recognition of the Armenian Genocide.”