December 22, 2008 - 14:51 AMT
Turkey can easily turn its back on "fraternal Azerbaijan"
Turkey is not a state which reckons with interests of its friends and allies, according to an Armenian professor.

"If relations with Azerbaijan conflict with its national interests, Turkey will easily turn its back on "fraternal Baku," said Ruben Safrastyan, director of the institute of oriental studies at the RA academy of sciences.

"During World War I, Turkey intruded in the Caucasus despite opposition of its ally, Germany," he reminded.

"Ankara's Caucasus initiative like its intention to join Karabakh talks has failed. At the same time it tries to expand its influence throughout the Middle East and Caucasus because the hope for EU membership is fading. Moreover, the Turkish authorities do not seem eager to join the Union. Islamists are trying to get along well with the army to maintain power while Europe insists on resolution of the Cyprus problem and human rights protection. Do not forget about the Kurdish problem either," prof. Safrastyan said.