Turkey hasn't matured for EU yet

These problems refer to realpolitik. The Karabakh issue doesn't need any precedents; it finds resolution within international law. Azerbaijan's arguments are invented, those of Armenia base on international law. If Kosovo is granted independence, so Karabakh deserves it much more. There are plenty of differences between Kosovo and Karabakh. The latter is a self-controlled state with developing economy. Unlike Kosovo, Karabakh is not a destabilizing factor in the region. The only minus is the demographic factor. There are 2 million of Albanians in Kosovo while the Armenians population of Karabakh makes 150 thousand. Whatever, Karabakh has never been and will never be a part of Azerbaijan. With recognizing independence of Kosovo and not recognizing that of Karabakh, the international community will provide a glaring and cynical example of double standards.

Indeed, Russia's role in Balkans as well as in Caucasus is still great. However, Balkan policy has been dominating for a long time. Actually, we are witnessing the collapse of Russian diplomacy in Balkans and Kosovo is the last spot where Russia can wield influence. Russia claims renaissance of the superpower. Kosovo will show whether this state is capable to rehabilitate. If it fails to cut the South Caucasian knots with the Kosovo precedent, it will certainly lose the status of a superpower.

It is our business. Turkey's bid to the EU is the issue of Armenia's national interest. If it is a Turkey that is not afraid of facing its past, meets European standards securing the rights of national minorities, freedom of speech and expression, including transparency of archives and documents, it will be a neighbor we can dream about. But present-day Turkey hasn't matured for the European Union yet.

We should not forget that integration into European structures is a priority of Armenia's foreign policy. This includes the European Neighborhood Policy and the Armenia-NATO Individual Partnership Action Plan. As an EU member state, Turkey means an open land border that makes European integration possible. Strategically, Turkey membership in the EU is beneficial for Armenia. Democratic Turkey is a possible phenomenon. All depends on the sweetness and size of the "European pie".

Yes, this state is still in search for a national-strategic identity. Turkey has been experiencing this process for over 70 years already and the final variant is unknown yet. However, one thing is clear: Turkey is the major threat for Armenia. From the global standpoint, the Armenian-Turkish relations are the pillar stone of geostrategic construction in the region. Normalization of relations at all levels will lead other to reconsideration of their positions in the region. It specifically refers to Russia, Iran, Georgia and Azerbaijan. Many are interested in normalization of relations. The U.S. and EU are demonstrating the highest activity; however, Russia is still idle. Maybe, its restraint is conditioned by a possibility of closure of the 102nd base. But our relations have a broader foundation than mere military cooperation.

No, I don't. But I should mention some factors. We are not losing the information war, for most part thanks to information resources and Diaspora's efforts. However, we lack state information policy. We often run after events instead of pursuing a preemptive tactic. There is no coordination between analytical centers and political leadership. Furthermore, we underestimate the importance of Internet and act as amateurs. Both Armenia and Azerbaijan say that we are neighbors and there is no escape from each other but both pursue a policy that leads to abyss.