Yerevan /Mediamax/. Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian stated that over many years, Turkish authorities had had the chance to use “the historic occasion” to normalize relations with Armenia.

Edward Nalbandian said this at the annual press conference today commenting on Turkish Prime Minister Ahmed Davutoglu’s statement on “the new start” in Armenia-Turkey relations and building “joint future” made on the 8th anniversary of Hrant Dink’s assassination.

“A question rises: why was Davutoglu waiting till 2015 to make a statement on Hrant Dink’s statement. Why wasn’t a statement on the 7th anniversary and on the previous anniversaries? Besides, over 8 years in a row, the Turkish authorities didn’t manage or didn’t want to reveal the culprits of Hrant Dink’s murder. Now, they are speaking about some disrespectful attitude while expressing their support to the infamous Dogu Perincek who not only made statements on denying Armenian Genocide and linked to Dink’s assassination but also ones full of hatred to Armenians”, said Edward Nalbandian.

According to him, there was “nothing new” in both the old and new statements made by the Turkish PM.

The Armenian Foreign Minister recalled that the Turkish authorities had many opportunities to use the “historic occasion” over the past 5-6 years to ratify the Armenia-Turkey Protocols signed by same Ahmed Davutoglu and realize the process of the peoples’ rapprochement.