Kremlin's defeat in struggle for Armenia obvious, Baku says

PanARMENIAN.Net - Informal Turkish-Armenian relations have a long record, an Azeri political scientist said.



"The situation in the region is changing. West is advancing toward the Caucasus and the Armenian-Turkish talks should be considered in this context. It's erroneous to think that these talks could be harmful for Azerbaijan, for in case of reconciliation Armenia will step back from Russia and orient for NATO. All this will have a positive impact on t resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, what implies return of occupied territories," Vafa Guluzade said, Day.az reports.



Asked whether Russian will witness this process silently, Guluzade said, "Of course, Russia can't be glad with its outpost's split off. But it has no tool of pressure on West. Let's remember the story with Baltic states and Asia. So, Kremlin's defeat in struggle for Armenia obvious."



In a further sign of readiness to normalize ties, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan proposed "a fresh start" in relations with Turkey in an article published in The Wall Street Journal earlier this month. Sargsyan also invited Gul to a World Cup qualifying match between Armenian and Turkish teams in September. Officials say the invitation is still under consideration and that the president will decide according to developments.



"Normalization of relations with Armenia is one of priorities in Turkey's foreign policy," said Ali Babacan, Turkish Foreign Minister.



He also confirmed reports that Turkish and Armenian officials had secret talks in Switzerland on July 8.