RUBEN SAFRASTYAN: THE MINSK GROUP TREMAINS THE BEST FORMAT FOR NEGOTIATIONS

armradio.am
01.10.2008 17:59

During the Georgian conflict the Armenian diplomacy managed to be
on the height, preserving its role of an ally for Russia, the ties
with Georgia, the friendly relations with the UN and Europe. Armenia
did not only manage to formulae its national and state interests,
but also make those understandable for Russia, Georgia and the US,
Director of the Oriental Studies Institute of the National Academy of
Sciences Ruben Safrastyan told a press conference today. According to
him, Armenia proved that it’s committed to the strategic partnership
with Russia, and the Russian Federation does not conceal that the
importance of Armenia is growing.

According to Ruben Safrastyan the recent harsh statements of Turkey’s
President Abdullah Gul on the opening of the Armenian-Turkish border
are Turkey’s diplomatic tricks. For the first time in the recent years
Turkey is somewhat interested in continuing the negotiations, first of
all aspiring to get Armenia’s consent on participation in the Caucasus
Platform. Armenia’s having positive attitude is important for Turkey.

Armenia has two trump cards to resist the demands of the Turkish
diplomacy: Armenia can suspend the talks at any point, which is
not favorable to Turkey and Armenia can disagree with the platform,
thus making Turkey’s initiative senseless.

=0 D According to the Turkologist, Turkey will continue posing its
demands to Armenia: refusal from the policy of recognition of the
Armenian Genocide, unilateral concessions on the Karabakh issue and
recognition of territorial integrity with reconfirmation of the Kars
Agreement. However, according to Ruben Safrastyan, Armenia will make
no concessions.

Ruben Safrastyan noted also that the Minsk Group maintains its role
as the best format for resolving the Karabakh conflict, and Turkey’s
efforts to act as mediator have no future.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress