No Progress on Armenian-Turkish Reconciliation Possible until Next Parliamentary Elections in Turkey: Expert

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. –0--