Trend, Azerbaijan
May 1 2010

British analysts: Armenia is under pressure

Azerbaijan, Baku, May 1 / Trend, U. Sadikhova /

Armenia is under the pressure of external forces that are interested
in continuing the process of normalization of Armenian-Turkish
relations, British analysts believe.

According to Lecturer at the Bilkent University Journalism Faculty
David Barchard, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan won a little from
the decision to suspend the process of normalization of relations with
Turkey, which was adopted last week.

"Interestingly, how strongly he regrets taking this decision?,"
Barchard asked while talking with Trend correspondent and added that
Turkey will not change its position in ratification of protocols with
Armenia.

According to British Professor of International Relations at Bilkent
University Mark Almond, the western countries are more interested in
continuation of the process of normalization of relations between
Ankara and Yerevan.They may demand the ratification of the protocols
of Armenia in exchange of a possible rapprochement with the EU,
professor Mark Almond told Trend.

In its turn Turkey continues to strengthen its role in the South
Caucasus not only with the efforts of foreign policy, but at the
expense of economic growth and expansion of contacts throughout the
region, Almond says.

However, Turkish efforts in the region can be blocked by the decision
of Armenia to freeze the process of normalization, Almond believes.

Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan signed a decree suspending the
ratification of the Armenian-Turkish protocols on normalizing
relations between Yerevan and Ankara signed by the two countries’
foreign ministers.

Sargsyan argued the temporary suspension of the ratification of the
protocols with "national interests".

Diplomatic relations between Armenia and Turkey were broken due to
Armenian claims of an alleged genocide and its occupation of
Azerbaijani lands. Their border closed in 1993.

If one country is not interested in the initiative of another country,
the game will be completed and the status quo will be remained in the
region, British analyst explained. This position only worsens already
difficult situation in Armenia, given the economic problems facing the
republic because of conflicts with its neighbours, however, the
question is whether the country will hold out.