Progression possible without preconditions only
The problem of the Turkish-Armenian border is pressing, said Bahaeddin Güngör, head of Deutsche Welle's Turkish department.
"On the one hand, Ankara is unwilling to open the border unless Azeri refugees return to the places of pervious habitation. On the other hand, an entire eastern region of Turkey remains isolated, thus damaging Turkish economy," he said.
"The arrival of Turkish President in Yerevan last year was the initial move forward. Armenia's President has to make the second move. Under the circumstances, stipulating conditions would be incorrect. Progression is possible without preconditions only. We can only hope that Turkey will meet Armenia halfway," Mr. Güngör said.
According to him, the two countries could get closer if "Armenia renounced its territorial claims and did not demand reimbursement for the 1915 events."
"On the one hand, Ankara is unwilling to open the border unless Azeri refugees return to the places of pervious habitation. On the other hand, an entire eastern region of Turkey remains isolated, thus damaging Turkish economy," he said.
"The arrival of Turkish President in Yerevan last year was the initial move forward. Armenia's President has to make the second move. Under the circumstances, stipulating conditions would be incorrect. Progression is possible without preconditions only. We can only hope that Turkey will meet Armenia halfway," Mr. Güngör said.
According to him, the two countries could get closer if "Armenia renounced its territorial claims and did not demand reimbursement for the 1915 events."
