ARTAK SHAKARYAN: THE KEY TO THE SOLUTION IS IN THE HANDS OF THE SOCIETIES OF ARMENIA AND TURKEY
Lusine Vasilyan

"Radiolur"
31.03.2010 14:46

"The key to the solution of the Armenian-Turkish relations is in the
hands of the societies of Armenia and Turkey, not official Yerevan
and Baku," Turkologis Artak Shakaryan told a press conference today.

"Even if the Armenian-Turkish protocols are ratified, Turkey may
later use any opportunity to make a step back," he said.

According to Shakaryan, Turkey’s main task is to prepare the society
for the establishment of sincere relations with Armenia, something
that demands years.

As for the perspectives of the Armenian-Turkish relations, Shakaryan
considers that ifTurkey fails to make any step before April 24,
the process will drag out for another 5-6 years.

However, the political scientist considers that Turkey will try to
take any step to keep the process going.

"Turkey doesn’t need a positive outcome of the process. It neither
needs a negative outcome. It will not benefit if Armenia withdraws
from the process. Therefore, Turkey will do its best to keep the
process at least half-dead," Shakaryan said.