V. OSKANIAN: BORDER’S OPENING – A CRITERION OF ARMENIAN-TURKISH RELATIONS’ NORMALIZATION
DeFacto Agency
2008-10-02 15:20:00
Armenia
YEREVAN, 02.10.08. DE FACTO. According to the RA ex FM Vardan Oskanian,
estimation of activation of the process around Armenian-Turkish
relations is untimely. Oskanian stated it during a press conference
held in Yerevan on the occasion of official opening of CIVILITAS Fund
he heads.
"Naturally, both the President and FM are quite active. It should
be added that Turkish President’s visit was also unprecedented. So
we are engaged in ebullient activity, however, time will show its
practical results. Consequently, I would like to refrain from specific
estimations", Vardan Oskanian stated. As for Turkey’s willingness to
participate in Karabakh settlement as a mediator, in V. Oskanian’s
words, Turkey does not rank in the talks, since the border still
remains closed, while the railway is out of order.
In V. Oskanian’s opinion, there is a criterion of Armenian-Turkish
relations’ normalization – unblocking border with Armenia. According
to him, there are no other criteria. Or, at least, opening existing
railroad can be considered the beginning of normalization. "Unless it
takes place in the near future it will mean that Turkey politically
speculates on the opportunity it has been given", V. Oskanian
said. According to the diplomat, Turkish President’s visit to Yerevan
consolidated the country’s authority ten times, however, it has also
positively influenced on Armenia’s image.
Being asked to comment on Turkish President’s statement, according
to which the border will be opened, only in case "the occupied
territories" are "returned" to Azerbaijan V. Oskanian stated the
statement was not a surprise. "If Turkey connects the border’s opening
with the issues referring to the territories I have to state with
regret that nothing has been changed and we undertake some efforts
in vain", the diplomat underscored. Answering a question if Armenia
should recognize the NKR V. Oskanian said the weapon must be in
Armenia’s arsenal. "However, the weapon should be used in proper
time. I think the time has not come for NKR yet", V. Oskanian stated.