TURKEY MANAGED TO DRIVE WEDGE BETWEEN ARMENIA AND DIASPORA, SAYS PSYCHOLOGIST

Tert.am
16:32 07.10.09

The improvement of Armenian-Turkish relations is an issue which is
connected with each and every Armenian’s security, irrespective
of where he or she lives, according to ethno-psychologist Karine
Nalchajian.

"It’s a very sensitive topic," Nalchajian said, adding that the
response of the Diaspora and those in Armenia is different.

According to the psychologist, there is no revolt and public movement
in Armenia. At the same time, she said that local population "follows
fearfully and attentively to what’s going on." Proceeding from that,
the psychologist added that, depending on the approaches proposed for
the settlement of the issue, further processes of the developments
may vary.

Nalchajian also presented to journalists the study results on the
attitudes of the public towards Armenian-Turkish cooperation. In her
research, the psychologist divided the public into three groups.

The first group includes people who flatly refuse to have any
relations with Turkey whatsoever. According to Nalchajian, this group
of respondents explains its viewpoint by the motives that Armenia
has no right to establish relations directly as they may lead to
adverse consequences.

The psychologist considers the second group’s viewpoint as not
serious and superficial. The second group of respondents consider
the establishment of relations to be positive. According to them,
they will live better after the process has come to an end.

"It’s surprising that within the country there were people who
disseminate Turkish propaganda. That is the most dangerous group,"
Nalchajian stated. In that context she also added that "Turkey managed
to drive wedge between Armenia and Diaspora to some extent."

Thus, the third group is for the establishment of relations but
proposes to make some changes.