Turkish president’s visit to change climate of armenian-turkish relations

YEREVAN, September 3. /ARKA/. Turkish President Abdulah Gul’s visit to Armenia may change the climate of Armenian-Turkish relations, stated the political scientist Alexander Iskandaryan, Director of the Caucasus Institute.

“The visit may change much. Of course, it is clear that the Armenian-Turkish border will not be re-opened immediately after the football match,” Iskandaryan stated at the round table “Armenia and conflicts over South Ossetia and Abkhazian”.

The RA President officially invited his Turkish counterpart to a football match between the two national teams, which is to be held in Yerevan on September 6.

Speaking of Turkey’s role in the region, Iskandaryan said that the country is well aware of the rapidly changing situation in the South Caucasus so it is seeking heavier influence in the region.

He pointed out that Turkey has been taking such steps for a long time. Specifically, the Armenian church on the island of Akhtamar has been restored. Turkey also proposed the formation of a security platform in the region.

Chairman of the European Integration NGO Karen Bekaryan disagreed with Iskandaryan. He pointed out that the Armenian-Turkish relations will not clear up soon.

“I do not share the opinion that there is anything clear in the Armenian-Turkish relations nor do I hope that it will become clear in the near future irrespective of whether Gul pays a visit to Armenia or not,” he said. P.T. –0--