EU: Current situation with Armenia-Turkey relations can't last foreverNovember 2, 2009 - 11:57 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Current situation with Armenia-Turkey relations can't last forever, so the perspective of rapprochement and border opening should be accepted. Scenarios of protecting regional interests should be developed, EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus Ambassador Peter Semneby stated. According to him, the war in Georgia has shown everybody there are major risks related to continuation of territorial conflicts in the region. "This has given certain dynamics to Armenia-Turkey relations. Turkey has been long ago implementing steps, suggesting the country expects a change of situation at South Caucasus.'' ''Russia is making investments in RA infrastructure, constructing railroads. The investments will be compensated only in case of border opening. Armenia was not the only one to start off the rapprochement. In-depth discussions are held in Turkey, where many believe the country can enhance its presence in the region should the issue be resolved. Conflict with Armenia restricted Turkey's possibilities in South Caucasus to a great extent. Armenia-Turkey relations must not be linked to Karabakh conflict, otherwise, the possibilities for rapprochement will once again be lost.'' Semneby also noted that Armenian government is facing a number of challenges. According to him, Diaspora has taken ambiguous attitude towards rapprochement. ''This is a serious issue with RA government, which has to provide Diaspora's support and consider Armenian citizens' interests.'' Commenting on protocols' ratification, Semneby stated: "100% ratification guarantee can't be given. Yet I'm confident the documents will be ratified, which is equitable to both Armenia's and Turkey's interests. Personal benefit and not kind disposition towards Armenia drove Turkey to start this process. The rapprochement will open new possibilities, positively affect regional security and economics,'' Vremya Novostey newspaper cited Semneby as saying. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. 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". Partner news | Power of One Dram sums up two-year program with Teach for Armenia Idram Junior also joined the companies during the visit, bringing with it a fascinating intellectual game for children Moscow slams EU mission in Armenia for “provocative activity” The EU mission is doing more and more against Armenia’s neighbors Russia, Azerbaijan and Iran, Mikhail Galuzin said. Yerevan Mayor to travel to Paris on May 15-19 The official delegation headed by Yerevan Mayor Tigran Avinyan will travel to Paris from May 15 to 19. Armenia, India hold first defense consultations The meeting was attended by Indian Ambassador Nilakshi Saha Sinha and Defense Attaché Brigadier General Naveen Nijhawan. |