Turkey's Caucasus Stability and Cooperation Platform demands an "open game"October 6, 2008 - 15:15 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Turkey's Caucasus Stability and Cooperation Platform demands an "open game", a Russian expert said. "As a rule, cooperation becomes possible if the sides waive their national interests to combat a common enemy or if there is a necessity of diversification of economic relations. Under the global financial and energy crisis, the Caucasus states could reach an agreement to resolve the existing conflicts and secure beneficial economic cooperation. However, there are some irrational historical factors that hamper normalization of relations," senior lecturer at Saint-Petersburg State University, deputy editor at the Center of Oriental Studies, Ph.D. in history Alexander Sotnichenko said in an interview with PanARMENIAN.Net Armenia could officially renounce territorial claims against Turkey and stop the worldwide campaign calling for recognition of the Armenian Genocide. In response, Turkey could reconsider its position on Nagorno Karabakh and open the border with Armenia, according to him. "A similar precedent was in case with Syria. As soon as Damask recognized territorial integrity of Turkey and stopped laying claims to the province of Hatay that was annexed to Turkey in 1838, the relations between the two states considerably improved, not to mention the economic factor. Presently, Turkey is mediating for the Syrian-Israeli reconciliation, what is convenient for both sides. I am hopeful that the Caucasus nations will overcome their historic hostility and establish fruitful political and economic cooperation," Dr. Sotnichenko said. 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. |