International Analyst Network, NY
Sept 6 2008

WAITING FOR PRESIDENT GUL IN YEREVAN…

05 Sep 2008

RUBEN SAFRASTYAN: IMPORTANCE OF GUL’S VISIT TO ARMENIA SHOULDN’T BE
EXAGGERATED

Turkish President Abdullah Gul’s decision to arrive in Yerevan is
conditioned by drastic changes in the geopolitical situation due to
Russia’s recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, Director of the
Institute of Oriental Studies at the RA Academy of Sciences,
Prof. Ruben Safrastyan told a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter.

`In an attempt to resume the normal course, Turkey offered a
`Caucasian platform’. Moreover, it wants to gain a foothold while
Russia increases its presence in the Caucasus. That is why Gul agreed
to pay a visit to Yerevan. However, the basics of Turkey’s policy
toward Armenia will not be changed,’ he said.

The importance of Gul’s visit to Armenia shouldn’t be exaggerated,
according to him.

`The Armenian President has done right. Under the circumstances,
Turkey just tries to pursue a more flexible policy towards Armenia. I
do not think that Ankara will sacrifice its national interests to
relations with Azerbaijan. Furthermore, don’t forget about the
Armenian Genocide resolution that is likely to be put on agenda again,
with Democrats coming to power,’ Prof. Safrastyan said.

As to the possibility of Gyumri-Kars railroad startup, he said, it’s
quite real, because Russia is interested in the project, which will
somehow suspend Kars-Tbilisi-Baku initiative.

PanARMENIAN.Net, 01.09.2008