Ruben Safrastyan: importance of Gul's visit to Armenia shouldn't be exaggerated

PanARMENIAN.Net - Turkish President Abdullah Gul's decision to arrive in Yerevan is conditioned by drastic changes in the geopolitical situation due to Russia's recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, Director of the Institute of Oriental Studies at the RA Academy of Sciences, prof. Ruben Safrastyan told a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter.



"In an attempt to resume the normal course, Turkey offered a 'Caucasian platform'. Moreover, it wants to gain a foothold while Russia increases its presence in the Caucasus. That is why Gul agreed to pay a visit to Yerevan. However, the basics of Turkey's policy toward Armenia will not be changed," he said.



The importance of Gul's visit to Armenia shouldn't be exaggerated, according to him.



"The Armenian President has done right. Under the circumstances, Turkey just tries to pursue a more flexible policy towards Armenia. I do not think that Ankara will sacrifice its national interests to relations with Azerbaijan. Furthermore, don't forget about the Armenian Genocide resolution that is likely to be put on agenda again, with Democrats coming to power," prof. Safrastyan said.



As to the possibility of Gyumri-Kars railroad startup, he said, it's quite real, because Russia is interested in the project, which will somehow suspend Kars-Tbilisi-Baku initiative.