September 30, 2009 - 23:59 AMT
Armenian society needs to be informed of Armenian-Turkish normalization
"There is such an impression that the more we try to inform our society of Armenian-Turkish process, the more tasks we have," NAS Oriental Studies Institute Director, Turkish studies specialist Ruben Safrastyan told today a meeting between RA President and Puiblic Council members.

Expert finds that most citizens do not receive full information and need live communication with relevant specialists. "Over the past weeks, we were unable to provide citizens full information on Armenia's foreign policy in the sphere of Armenian-Turkish normalization," he stressed.

Attaching high importance to RA President's all-Armenian tours, Safrastyan also noted that dialogue with Diaspora on Armenian-Turkish rapprochement was very important considering the idea of a lost homeland and recognition of Armenian Genocide as a means of restoring historical justice. "Armenian-Turkish rapprochement can, to a certain extent, harm the self-identity of Diaspora-Armenians," Safrasyan added.

Such meetings, according to him, should be organized more frequently, involving Diaspora representatives in Armenia's political decision-making process.