Etienne Mahcupyan: rapprochement is not reconciliation

PanARMENIAN.Net - While international diplomacy welcomes the visit of Turkish President Abdullah Gul to Yerevan on September 6, comments by observers are more political than sporting.



Rapprochement between Armenia and Turkey is far from reconciliation, according to Agos editor-in-chief Etienne Mahcupyan.



"A certain period of stability is needed. It is also a question of domestic politics on both sides of the border, which prevents frank dialogue on the subject," he said, independent French journalist Jean Eckian told PanARMENIAN.Net reminding that still in 2004 Gul used to say that Turkey will never recognize the Armenian Genocide.



Now Gul says, "The match will be an opportunity to overcome barriers and prepare a new ground to bring the two people together."



Mr Eckian also informed that the initiative to normalize relations was also welcomed by renowned singer Charles Aznavour.