Expert: Armenian cause part of Turkey’s game with Europe, U.S.

PanARMENIAN.Net - Senior fellow at the Institute of Oriental Studies at the Russian Academy of Sciences, Andrey Areshev said that Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is a charismatic politician and he will maintain leadership after the June 12 parliamentary election.

Turkey’s policy remains unchanged, Areshev told a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter. According to him, Ankara is still an important actor in Middle East, South Caucasus and Central Asia, but it is not clear whether it will manage to pursue an intense foreign policy. "Turkey is both subject and object of the international community," the Russian expert said.

Areshev also recalled Turkey’s main problems – Kurds and Alevis. “The government tries to minimize the risks related to these problems, as well as curtsies to the Armenian community. This includes also restoration of architectural monuments, what pursues economic goals, since the Armenian cultural heritage attracts tourists. But in general the Armenian cause is an element of game with Europe and the U.S.,” he said.