Sedat Laciner: Ankara won't open border with Armenia

PanARMENIAN.Net - Turkey's International Strategic Research Organization says though Armenian issue will be discussed during U.S. President's visit to Turkey, Ankara will not compromise and open borders with Armenia.



"U.S. and Turkey will discuss Armenian issue. But it is politically incorrect to think that Ankara will compromise Yerevan and open borders under Obama's pressure," Turkey-based International Strategic Research Organization director Sedat Lachiner told Trend News in a telephone conversation from Ankara.



Turkey's SABAH newspaper quoted the anonymous EU official as saying that he hopes the Turkey-Armenia border will be opened following U.S. President Barrack Obama's visit to Turkey in April.



Obama will trip to Turkey on April 5-7.



Lachiner said Turkey was put on more pressure regarding Iraqi issue during former U.S. President George Bush's office. However, Turkey did not allow U.S. troops to use its territory.



"Turkey will never act in detriment of Azerbaijan's interests. Azerbaijan is aware of all talks between Turkey and Armenia," Lachiner said.



He said media is exaggerating reports on opening of the Turkey-Armenia border.



The border can be opened after Armenia withdraws from "occupied Azerbaijani lands". "Turkey will not harm its interests under the pressure of any state," he said.