Stating that the diplomatic process between Ankara and Yerevan continues although Turkish-Armenian protocols were suspended in April, Armenian descent American analyst Richard Giragosian said, “Turkey proposed citizenship to diaspora Armenians who have roots in Turkey.” Journalists from Turkey who made a visit to Armenia within the frames of Turkey-Armenia Dialogue Program organized by International Hrant Dink Foundation, visited ACNIS. Richard Giragosian, Director of Armenian Center for National And International Studies (ACNIS) claimed that Ankara called diaspora Armenians who have roots in Turkey to become Turkish citizens.
Armenian analyst stated that a secret diplomacy is continued between Turkey and Armenia although protocols were suspended on April 22. Stating that the secret diplomacy will be continued whole summer, Giragosian said, “Turkey came to diaspora Armenians with surprising proposals. Diaspora Armenians, who have roots in Turkey were proposed to become Turkish citizens. There were other initiatives regarding to archaeologic and cultural issues. Turkey suggested to remove visa requirement for Armenians who want to visit Mt. Agri. These were brave and interesting proposals.”
Commenting on the statements of Giragosian, Director of Strategical Researches Center at Bahcesehir University, Ercan Citlioglu said, “The proposal about giving citizenship to diaspora Armenians who have roots in Turkey, cannot be anything more than a gesture. Armenian people built a new life for themselves in the countries they are living for about 4 generations and they would not come to Turkey as they are not even going to Armenia. I do not think that there is any logic in such proposal.”