A Unique Moment In Russian-Turkish Relations

A UNIQUE MOMENT IN RUSSIAN-TURKISH RELATIONS
Liana Yeghiazaryan

"Radiolur"
12.05.2010 14:53

Armenian political scientists are concerned about the efforts of
Russia and Turkey to improve relations, because they might "bargain"
over the Armenian interests in the Karabakh issue.

Head of the Political Science Chair of the Yerevan State University
Gagik Keryan and analyst of the "Azg" daily, political scientist Hakob
Chakryan noted at today’s press conference that Turkey continues to
speculate on the Karabakh issue in the context of normalization of
the Armenian-Turkish relations. The political scientists voiced hope
that Russia would not subordinate Armenia’s interests in any case.

Are Turkey and Azerbaijan ready to pay any price to Russia to have the
Karabakh issue solved in favour of Azerbaijan? "It’s not an issue to
be solved by Russia only," Hakob Chakryan said, adding that the OSCE
Minsk Group would not allow that. He voiced hope that Russia would
never subordinate Armenia’s interests, since the two countries have
long been allies.

"The high-level Russian-Turkish meetings, the signing of over
20 documents are targeted at expanding cooperation rather than
establishing closer relations, since the ties with the West will
prevent Turkey from getting closer with Russia," Gagik Keryan said.

"Now there’s a unique moment in the Russian-Turkish relations, since
the two have traditionally been conflicting states," he added.