February 11, 2009 - 20:28 AMT
Iran negative about Turkish activities in the region
The thaw in Armenian-Turkish relations is undoubtedly a positive move for both countries, an Armenian expert said.

For Armenia, it's alternative communications. For Ankara, it's a tool to influence Yerevan's political decisions. Witnessing the developments, Iran will itself put forward various stability platforms," Eduard Abrahamyan, expert at Mitq analytical center, told PanARMENIAN.Net.

Ankara's determination to interfere into the Karabakh process is one of Tehran's concerns, according to him.

"If Turkey takes up Karabakh, not only Armenia but also Iran will lose. Surrender of the territories adjacent to Iran will cause extra ethnic-political conflicts for Iran. It's not a secret that Iran experiences problems with Azeris and that the Karabakh regions near Araks River constitute a natural obstacle for Azeri consolidation," Abrahamyan said, adding that Iranian religious and political elite eyes Turkey as major military, political and religious rival.

"It's not surprising that Tehran will give a hostile reception to any Turkish regional initiative," he said.

"We should also keep in mind that the Armenian-Turkish reconciliation would be welcomed by Tbilisi. It's obvious, that obtaining alternative economic routes, the Armenian leadership will not change its policy toward Georgia," Abrahamyan concluded.