Ara Papyan: Turkey's presence in Karabakh process is inadmissible

PanARMENIAN.Net - "President Serzh Sargsyan describes Turkey's intention to join the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement process as contribution but, in my opinion, Turkey is aspired to become a mediator," Ara Papyan told a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter.



No good will come out of Turkish mediation, according to him.



"Just a couple of days ago President Gul said in Baku that Turks are Azeris are one nation. A mediating country should have a neutral position, but I can't say much for Turkey. The same refers to Iran. I am convinced that Armenia doesn't need any change in the OSCE Minsk Group format. Actually, instead of France, Russia and the U.S., we risk having regional mediators, which will pursue their own ends. It will be extremely offending for Armenia," he said.



Earlier, Turkish President Abdullah Gul announced his intention to mediate between the Armenian and Azerbaijani Presidents. "The OSCE Minsk Group failed to produce effect during 17 years of its mediation. Turkey-Armenia and Azerbaijan-Armenia issues are not only bilateral but also territorial. The situation in the region has changed. Resolution of conflicts will lead to political and economic stability," he said.



Today, Iran's Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki also expressed Iran's readiness to mediate between neighboring Armenia and Azerbaijan over the Karabakh issue.