Anti-Christian and anti-Armenian moods may flare up in Turkey

PanARMENIAN.Net - "The ruling AK Party has cemented its positions. The outcomes of the parliamentary elections demonstrated strong support of the people. The economic status and the population's well-being have improved," Director of the Institute of Oriental Studies at the RA Academy of Sciences, Dr Ruben Safrastyan told a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter.



The AKP's domestic line will be continued, according to him. "As to the foreign policy, Turkey will keep up the EU bid. At the same time strengthening of ties with the Arab states, specifically Iran, is expected," Mr Safrastyan noted.



"14% of votes given in support of the Nationalist Movement Party prove that pan-Turkic and nationalist tendencies gain strength in Turkey, especially after the slaying of Agos editor Hrant Dink. Consequently, anti-Christian and anti-Armenian moods may flare up and this might tell on the state's foreign policy. It's not ruled out that the new government under the pressure of the military and Grey Wolves will decide to settle the Kurdish issue by use of force. Intrusion in Northern Iraq is not excluded either. As for the Armenian-Turkish relations, no changes are expected," Ruben Safrastyan said.