ACCORDING TO POLITICAL SCIENTIST GARIK KERIAN, RUSSIAN-TURKISH RAPPROCHEMENT WILL GIVE ARMENIA ADDITIONAL SECURITY GUARANTEES

NOYAN TAPAN
May 12, 2010
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, MAY 12, NOYAN TAPAN. 20 documents will be signed within the
framework of RF President Dmitry Medvedev’s visit to Turkey, 12 out
of which are agreements. Turkologist Hakob Chakrian saying this at
May 12 press conference stated that though there are manifestations
of Russian-Turkish partnership, Turkey cannot "move away from the
West and establish close relations with Russia."

Head of YSU political science chair Garik Kerian said that we
clearly see that both sides want to establish close contacts and to
collaborate. However, in his words, we should take into consideration
the historic-political implication when speaking of Russian-Turkish
relations. It is a unique moment in Russian-Turkish relations now.

"These countries were traditionally conflicting states. Now it is an
exclusive moment in the mutual relations. Certainly, it is difficult
to predict its outcome," G. Kerian stressed.

According to him, Turkey has understood that it will be difficult to
enter the South Caucasus if it has a conflict with Russia. Speaking
about Russian-Turkish rapprochement’s consequences for Armenia G.

Kerian said that it will give Armenia additional security guarantees
as Russia, the strategic ally of Armenia, which has the status of
"neither war nor peace" moves to certain collaboration with the state
violating Armenia’s interests, Turkey, and here we can hope that the
Russians will restrain the anti-Armenian steps of the Turks.

H. Chakrian said that Russia’s only support in the South Caucasus is
Armenia and losing the latter Russia will also lose the South Caucasus.