ARMENPRESS

EXPERT IN TURKISH STUDIES WARNS OF SERIOUS GLOBAL AND
REGIONAL CHALLENGES

YEREVAN, MAY 11, ARMENPRESS: An Armenian expert in
Turkish studies warned today that the country is set
to face a string of serious challenges in the near
future, which he said would be prompted by imminent
regional and global developments.
Speaking to a news conference Ruben Safrastian,
director of the Institute of Eastern Studies, an
affiliation of the National Academy of Sciences,
explained that the dominating trend in the South
Caucasian region in the next several years will be the
drive of Turkey, Azerbaijan and Georgia towards allied
relationships.
Safrastian said for the time being these three
nations are boosting close economic collaboration, but
he argued that their economic ties are very likely to
develop into political and military alliance.
Safrastian also pointed out NATO’s stepped activity
in the Southern Caucasian region with Georgia moving
steadily towards full accession with this
organization, saying a possible U.S.. strike on Iran
would bring about heavy aftereffects for the entire
region.
According to him, in view of current and expected
developments, Armenia’s foreign policy should become
more determined, clear-cut and coordinated. He said
the country should use all its resources and potential
to maintain and reinforce relations with Russia.
"It is important that Armenia withstand
polarization of the world and find its right place.
Russia’s Putin made clear his plans to make his
country a real force center and offer an alternative
development way and in all likelihood the US-Russia
standoff may extend to our region," Safrastian said.
He said allied relations with Russia have no
alternative. In a reference to the Karabakh conflict
Safrastian said there are more indications of external
pressure on Armenia and that is why Armenia should
press for peaceful resolution of its dispute with
Azerbaijan.