November 25, 2008 - 15:34 AMT
Normalization of relations between Armenian and Turkish publics no less important than diplomatic ties
Reconciliation is not just establishment of diplomatic and economic relations. It is the development between the Armenian and Turkish publics, which is no less important than formal ties. The task of NGOs, experts and journalists is to try to throw a bridge between the neighbor states, but there are plenty of obstacles in their way, Aybars Gorgulu, expert at Sabanci University and Assistant Program Director of TESEV Foreign Policy Program, said in an interview with PanARMENIAN.Net.

"The more we learn about each other, the sooner we can overcome the obstacles that have accumulated for the past years. The Armenian-Turkish dialogue should never be interrupted. There are not issues that can't be discussed. We should cover all topics, from the Armenian Genocide to opening of borders. Only in this case, Armenians and Turks can reach understanding," he said.

  • Full text of the interview