TURKOLOGIST ARTAK SHAKARIAN: ARMENIAN-TURKISH RELATIONS DO NOT DEPEND EITHER ON ARMENIA OR ON TURKEY

Noyan Tapan
Apr 2, 2009

YEREVAN, APRIL 2, NOYAN TAPAN. The Armenian-Turkish relations do not
depend either on Armenia or on Turkey: they are conditioned by a more
global diplomatic game. Turkologist Artak Shakarian expressed such
an opinion at the April 2 press conference adding that at present
the Armenian-Turkish relations are moving towards warming, as it is
beneficial for both the U.S. and Russia.

In A. Shakarian’s opinion, U.S. President Barack Obama in his April 24
speech will not pronounce the word "genocide," but instead will achieve
some mitigations in the Armenian-Turkish relations. The Turkologist
considers improbable complete opening of the Armenian-Turkish border
in the future.

According to A. Shakarian, in its relations with Armenia Turkey
always takes steps "that can be easily liquidated, but instead demands
concessions from Armenia, which are difficult to renounce." "Judging
by the whole history of Turkish diplomacy, the latter will not take
the first step until it is sure of its victory in the issue of April
24," A. Shakarian said.

Speaking about the local self-government elections held lately
in Turkey, he said that they predetermine the results of the 2011
parliamentary elections.

According to A. Shakarian, those elections showed that the Justice and
Development party led by Erdogan has serious problems, which is mainly
connected with the economic crisis. According to him, the Turks showed
that "they blame Erdogan and his party for carrying out bad policy"
in conditions of the crisis.