If Turkey Takes Neutral Stand Azerbaijan Will Lose

The statement by the OSCE Minsk Group proves that the preceding statement by U.S. Co-chair Matthew Bryza was not accidental. This statement gave an impulse to the public discussion of the problem, especially in Azerbaijan. However, there is no confidence that these discussions may convey an impulse to new talks.

As for the pressure exerted upon the Presidents, greater pressure is exerted on Ilham Aliyev than on Robert Kocharian. However, this pressure cannot be assessed as positive. In this case, oil serves as restraining factor for Aliyev. Though he will hardly sign any document, since he will lose power in this case. Destabilization in Azerbaijan will do no good to the whole region. I think during the G8 summit in Saint Petersburg Aliyev will be asked a precise question and he will have to give a precise answer.

Azerbaijan should not set great hopes for Turkey in the settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh problem. If Turkey takes a neutral stand on the matter Azerbaijan will lose. Presently the West should convince Turkey that its position on Armenia is not fruitful and should be changed if Turkey really wishes to become a regional power

It's impossible to initiate a criminal case against Catholics of All Armenians, since he possesses diplomatic immunity. There are no diplomatic relations between Armenia and Turkey and there is no agreement according to which he can be called into court. Some political circles in Turkey aim cannons at sparrows and nothing comes out of it.

As for the statement by Constantinople Patriarch Mesrob Mutafian, who said "he doesn't agree with the viewpoint of Garegin II, he couldn't but say this. Saying that issue should be considered by historians and public figures Mutafian proved he doesn't support Turkey's standpoint on the Armenian Genocide.

The major danger on Turkey's way towards the European Union is Greece's demand to open Cypriot sea- and airports for Greek vessels and planes. The stagnant reformation of the legislation that doesn't meet European standards is the second danger. "Even the amendments that have been introduced into the Turkish Penal Code are far from European demands.

Erdogan's Islamic party is most of all interested in Turkey's European integration. Be Erdogan elected President or not, the demand to normalize relations with Armenia and open the border will remain on the agenda. If Turkey open the border with Armenia Azerbaijan will remain without support in the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement.