TURKEY IS MORE IMPORTANT FOR ARMENIA THAN ARMENIA FOR TURKEY: POLITICAL EXPERT

Today.Az
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Aug 24 2009
Azerbaijan

"Armenia-Turkey ties must not be considered as stalled. Ankara’s
interest in this process is already a process," political expert and
director of Caucasus Institute Alexander Isgandaryan said.

"I do not think there will be significant breakthrough."

He said the September visit by Armenian President to Turkey still has
to take place and the possibility of developing relations are based
on the position of Turkey.

"It is clear that Turkey is more important for Armenia than Armenia
for Turkey."

Isgandaryan said Armenian issue is being discussed in Turkey and
debate in Armenia about Turkey were at the level of history 4-5 more
years ago.

"In Turkey, there are different opinions: some people in favor of
normalizing relations, someone believes that the process is needed as
a show in Europe, others say they do not need to develop relationships
until Armenia does not ask about it."

Speaking about the role of Armenian and Turkish authorities in terms
of establishing relations expert said that the situation in the two
countries has evolved differently. "In Armenia, there is opposition
to opening of borders and normalization of relations, but it comes
from society and some political forces."

However, differences on this issue in Turkey are limited to the
establishment of the country, he said.