In case of new war in Karabakh, Turkey will assume impartial position

Arrival of Turkey's President Abdullah Gul in Yerevan was an important and resolute step. The fact that he invited Mr Sargsyan to Istanbul is no less important. We never thought that President Sargsyan will invite his Turkish counterpart to Armenia and that Mr Gul will accept the invitation. But it happened. I should mention that the internal political situation in Turkey did not affect the President's decision. Moreover, judging by publications in Armenia and Turkish press, the public in both states welcome normalization of relations and opening of the border. I am hopeful that Serzh Sargsyan's visit to Istanbul in 2009 will be another step toward normalization of the Armenian-Turkish relations. We are neighbors. The region should be secure and peaceful. This refers not only to South Caucasus countries but also to Syria, Iran, Iraq and Lebanon.

Recognition of 1915 events as genocide is a more important issue for Turkey than Karabakh. A commission of historians should be formed to deal with the issue. Only after that, opening of the border would become possible. As to the Karabakh problem, Turkey can help the settlement process. The conflict is a regional issue and war is not the best way to resole it. I am convinced that Azerbaijan will never start war against Nagorno Karabakh but if it does, Turkey will assume an impartial position.

Readiness to normalize relations with Armenia can be described as a move toward the EU membership. One of EU conditions is normal relations with neighbors. Although we don't think that Europe is ready to accept a 70-million Muslim country, we continue reforms. At that, normalization of relations is as well important for Armenia, which participates in the ENP.

When the Georgian-South Ossetian conflict broke out, some Armenian and Turkish organizations requested Ankara to lift the blockade for a humanitarian corridor. There is no talk about it yet. But I believe that it will happen sooner than we expect.