Alexander Iskandaryan: Armenian-Turkish ties normalization - imitation and gameJune 2, 2009 - 21:31 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - "We must remember that Turkey is a state with its own traditions. And any by Foreign Minister, Premier or President should not sound surprising," Euro-integration NGO's Chair Karen Bekaryan told today a news conference. Commenting upon premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan's statement on ethnic minorities' dispossession being "carried out by fascists", the expert said that it might be caused by two factors: internal and external. "Armenian-Turkish relations are key foreign policy factors. Erdogan has several times announced in Baku that there'll be no progress in normalization process unless Karabakh conflict is settled. The statement aims to soothe Azerbaijani side." "It will certainly arouse Armenia's dissatisfaction, pushing Turkey to side with our country. Nobody Turkey to renounce its history by characterizing past events as fascism," Bekaryan said. In his turn, Director of Caucasus Institute Alexander Iskandaryan characterized such conduct as imitation and game - reiteration of double standards. "Such is Turkey's foreign policy: to make different statements in different places, siding either with Azerbaijan or Armenia," he noted. "On the one hand, they realize the importance of Armenian-Turkish ties normalization, but on the other hand, they don't want to lose Azerbaijan. They need both," Armenian expert announced. "Turkey now conducts internal discussions and disputes over the issue. Erdogan must work on domestic market, pushing ahead with a foreign policy issue. It's quite delicate policy," Iskandaryan stressed. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. |