EU: CURRENT SITUATION WITH ARMENIA-TURKEY RELATIONS CAN’T LAST FOREVER
/PanARMENIAN.Net/
02.11.2009 11:57 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Current situation with Armenia-Turkey relations
can’t last forever, so the perspective of rapprochement and border
opening should be accepted. Scenarios of protecting regional interests
should be developed, EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus
Ambassador Peter Semneby stated. According to him, the war in Georgia
has shown everybody there are major risks related to continuation of
territorial conflicts in the region. "This has given certain dynamics
to Armenia-Turkey relations. Turkey has been long ago implementing
steps, suggesting the country expects a change of situation at South
Caucasus."
"Russia is making investments in RA infrastructure, constructing
railroads. The investments will be compensated only in case of border
opening. Armenia was not the only one to start off the rapprochement.
In-depth discussions are held in Turkey, where many believe the
country can enhance its presence in the region should the issue be
resolved. Conflict with Armenia restricted Turkey’s possibilities
in South Caucasus to a great extent. Armenia-Turkey relations must
not be linked to Karabakh conflict, otherwise, the possibilities for
rapprochement will once again be lost."
Semneby also noted that Armenian government is facing a number of
challenges. According to him, Diaspora has taken ambiguous attitude
towards rapprochement. "This is a serious issue with RA government,
which has to provide Diaspora’s support and consider Armenian citizens’
interests."
Commenting on protocols’ ratification, Semneby stated: "100%
ratification guarantee can’t be given. Yet I’m confident the documents
will be ratified, which is equitable to both Armenia’s and Turkey’s
interests. Personal benefit and not kind disposition towards Armenia
drove Turkey to start this process. The rapprochement will open new
possibilities, positively affect regional security and economics,"
Vremya Novostey newspaper cited Semneby as saying.