Normalization of Armenian-Turkish ties is possible without NKR conflict settlement
Normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations is possible, though difficult, without NKR conflict settlement, Ichik University international Relations Department Head Byulent Aras told a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter.
"Recently, Turkey started to perceive Armenia in a more positive light. Though this is more the case with European part of Turkey. The majority still gives preference to Azeriеs, who're closer. But Armenians are close to us either," Aras said. At the same time, Turkish professor noted that neither Russia, US or any other country in the world can hamper normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations. "Negotiation process should involve Turkey and Armenia only," he stressed.
As for Armenian Genocide acknowledgement, the Turkish professor maintains that not only Armenians became victims during World War I but other nations, including Turks, as well.
"The past should be left to historians, and we should go on living in present. Why should we pass through Georgia to visit Armenia or Turkey when there's a shorter way," Byulent Aras noted.
"Recently, Turkey started to perceive Armenia in a more positive light. Though this is more the case with European part of Turkey. The majority still gives preference to Azeriеs, who're closer. But Armenians are close to us either," Aras said. At the same time, Turkish professor noted that neither Russia, US or any other country in the world can hamper normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations. "Negotiation process should involve Turkey and Armenia only," he stressed.
As for Armenian Genocide acknowledgement, the Turkish professor maintains that not only Armenians became victims during World War I but other nations, including Turks, as well.
"The past should be left to historians, and we should go on living in present. Why should we pass through Georgia to visit Armenia or Turkey when there's a shorter way," Byulent Aras noted.
