TURKISH PRESIDENT’S VISIT TO CHANGE CLIMATE OF ARMENIAN-TURKISH RELATIONS

ARKA
Sep 3, 2008

YEREVAN, September 3. /ARKA/. Turkish President Abdulah Gul’s visit
to Armenia may change the climate of Armenian-Turkish relations,
stated the political scientist Alexander Iskandaryan, Director of
the Caucasus Institute.

"The visit may change much. Of course, it is clear that the
Armenian-Turkish border will not be re-opened immediately after the
football match," Iskandaryan stated at the round table "Armenia and
conflicts over South Ossetia and Abkhazian".

The RA President officially invited his Turkish counterpart to a
football match between the two national teams, which is to be held
in Yerevan on September 6.

Speaking of Turkey’s role in the region, Iskandaryan said that the
country is well aware of the rapidly changing situation in the South
Caucasus so it is seeking heavier influence in the region.

He pointed out that Turkey has been taking such steps for a long time.

Specifically, the Armenian church on the island of Akhtamar has been
restored. Turkey also proposed the formation of a security platform
in the region.

Chairman of the European Integration NGO Karen Bekaryan disagreed
with Iskandaryan. He pointed out that the Armenian-Turkish relations
will not clear up soon.

"I do not share the opinion that there is anything clear in the
Armenian-Turkish relations nor do I hope that=2 0it will become clear
in the near future irrespective of whether Gul pays a visit to Armenia
or not," he said.