RUBEN SAFRASTIAN: TURKEY HOPES TO NEWLY ORGANIZE ITS POSITION IN NEAR EAST

Noyan Tapan
Oct 15, 2009

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 15, NOYAN TAPAN. According to the estimation of
Turkologist Ruben Safrastian, RA President’s visit to Turkey is the
end of one stage in Armenian-Turkish negotiations process and the start
of a new stage. As he mentioned at an October 15 press conference, the
second stage should be ratification of the Armenian-Turkish protocols,
and it will take much time and both sides need to exert much efforts
at that stage.

According to R. Safrastian, the events occurred in Bursa the day
before, in particular, the fact that Turks threw stones at Armenian
correspondents’ bus is one more evidence that Turkey is not ready
for becoming a European Union member. In his words, "tolerance has
a very long way to pass in Turkey to correspond to European standards."

R. Safrastian found it difficult to say when the border will be opened
but one thing is clear: "It is a step forward. Our diplomacy should
be also watchful and ready for any kinds of developments."

In R. Safrastian’s opinion, Turkey signed the protocols for several
purposes. The first, according to him, is that with that step Turkey
tries to prevent the process of recognition of the Armenian Genocide
by U.S.

Congress and U.S. President. "It was an important tactical goal
for Turkey.

However, there are deeper goals of strategic significance, the most
important of which is membership to EU," the Turkologist said adding
that Turkey keeping the border closed could never hope for becoming a
European Union member. According to him, Turkey’s third goal is its
search for a new geopolitical role carried out by the Turkish upper
links. "In essence, Turkey tries to newly organize its position in the
Near East by using some circumstances," R. Safrastian said mentioning
that its meaning and goal is making Turkey an important energy center
for Europe.