Lull in Armenia-Turkey dialogue: preparation for intense eventsNovember 11, 2009 - 17:15 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Тhe process of normalization of Armenia-Turkey relations quietened down, but this calm is a preparation for intensive events, Alexander Iskandaryan, Director of the Caucasus Institute, political scientist told a press conference in Yerevan today. He presented several options of ratification of the initialed Protocols on normalization of Armenia-Turkey relations in the Turkish Parliament. "Protocols can be ratified in January, the second, this probably will happen by April 24 (Day of Remembrance of the Armenian Genocide victims). Third and less probable option is ratification behind the closed doors, and the fourth option - "suspension", delaying the ratification," the political scientist said. Alexander Iskandaryan mentioned that he often hears from Turkish colleagues, that "if the Turkish political elite wants, it can smuggle through Parliament anything". "To do this, Ankara needs appropriate sticks and carrots. There is already sticks, what would be the carrot, we will see ", Alexander Iskandaryan said. Minister Seyran Ohanyan links withdrawal of Armenian peacemakers from Kosovo with that of the Greek contingent. Sargis Asatryan describes U.S. Congress members’ statements on Armenian pogroms in Sumgait as a pressure tool on Azerbaijan. Ruling Republican Party of Armenia (RPA) will become European People's Party (EPP) de jure member at EPP convention on Feb 9. Orinats Yerkir coalition party’s political council excluded MP Gagik Baghdasaryan from the party membership list. |