Mitat Celikpala: Turkey can never be OSCE MG co-chairing country

PanARMENIAN.Net - Turkey can never be OSCE Minsk Group co-chairing country, according to Associate Professor of International Relations at TOBB Economy and Technology University in Ankara, Mitat Celikpala.

As he noted in a conversation with a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter, Armenia is opposed to Turkey’s becoming OSCE MG Co-chairing country, therefore, the issue is removed from agenda. He characterized Karabakh-related statements by Turkish authorities as political steps that determine regional position of the country.

“I’m unaware of Suat Kiniklioglu’s “brilliant proposal” for Turkish-Armenian reconciliation,” the expert noted. “Any new offer will suppose development of a new document and protocols to be discussed. I don’t believe it’s possible at present. Neither Turkish nor Armenian societies are ready for reconciliation, which makes any statements on the issue a mere political manoeuvre. Same applies to Azerbaijan. Thus, interference of either party, be it Azerbaijan, Russia or U.S., in Armenia-Turkey rapprochement will only harm the process,” Celikpala said.

As he believes, opening of border with Turkey is not of key importance to Armenia, in view of open route through Georgia and Iran. “Still, absence of closed borders is good for the region as a whole,” he emphasized.