Ruben Safrastyan: importance of Gul's visit to Armenia shouldn't be exaggeratedSeptember 1, 2008 - 17:03 AMT 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. Top stories Achieving stable peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan remains a priority of the OSCE, said Ian Borg. The Cabinet of Ministers decided on Thursday, November 9 to allocated AMD 120 million to arrange the gathering. Michael Roth believes sanctions must be put on the table after Baku‘s ethnic cleansing in Nagorno-Karabakh. The Yerevan City Council has elected Tigran Avniyan from the ruling Civil Contract as the mayor of the Armenian capital. Partner news | Ucom Celebrates Telecommunication Day May 17 commemorates the founding of the International Telecommunication Union on May 17, 1865. Border residents overnight on highway to protest Armenia’s Residents of Kirants continue to express outrage over the government’s decision to cede land to Azerbaijan. Get Started: An educational platform for young startuppers The Get Started program which operates in two phases is an important platform for young startuppers. Byblos Bank Armenia celebrates Students' Day with scholarship recipients YSU students who received scholarships from Byblos Bank Armenia gathered in a casual setting to meet with the Bank's CEO, Hayk Stepanyan. |