NO PROGRESS ON ARMENIAN-TURKISH RECONCILIATION POSSIBLE UNTIL NEXT PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS IN TURKEY: EXPERT

ARKA
May 13, 2010
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, May 13, /ARKA/. An Armenian expert in Turkish studies said
today progress on Armenian-Turkish reconciliation is possible only
after next parliamentary elections in Turkey.

Speaking at a news conference Ruben Melkonian said this process has
entered a protracted stage of pause, linked with political processes
in Turkey, more specifically, with expected constitutional changes
and upcoming general elections.

He said no progress should be expected in efforts to advance the
Armenian-Turkish process until Turkey has parliamentary elections and
forms a new government. He said judging by some statements in Turkey
the normalization process would not be halted altogether and will most
likely continue on the level of people diplomacy, non-governmental
organizations and through backstage contacts.

Ruben Melkonian said uncertainty over Turkey’s politics rose earlier
this week following the resignation of the opposition Republican
People’s Party (CHP) leader, the veteran Deniz Baykal, following the
release of a videotape on the Internet purporting to show him and a
woman in a bedroom.

‘The CHP’s rating was tarnished, but if this party undergoes radical
changes and more younger leaders take the steer, Turkey will have a
differed situation before the elections,’ he said.

The CHP is the oldest Turkish party founded by Ataturk and has a
pronounced anti-Armenian stance. If it gets a bigger role in political
processes, the normalization process may be affected, he said.