PETER SEMNEBY’S INTERVIEW ON BENEFITS OF ARMENIAN-TURKISH TIES
Aysor
Nov 2 2009
Armenia
In an interview with reporter of "Vremya novostey" Ivan Sukhov, EU
Special Representative for South Caucasus Peter Semneby has talked
about Armenian-Turkish relations and developments in Caucasus.
– The current situation between Armenia and Turkey cannot last
forever, everyone have to adapt to normalization, open borders,
and so on. It’s necessary to consider how to protect and develop own
interests in region under new situation. The war in Georgia showed that
proceeding territorial conflicts bring great risks. This developing
moved Armenian-Turkish relations.
When asked whether Russian influence in Caucasus fines down due to
normalization between Armenia and Turkey, Peter Semneby said so far
as Russia invests in Armenia’s infrastructure and builds railways it
can benefit only from open borders.
– Do you think Armenian-Turkish reconciliation is an achievement of
the Armenian diplomacy? Does Armenia really managed to separate issue
of normalization relations with Turkey and issue of Karabakh?
– This process started moving not only with Armenia’s hand. It’s clear
that this process in Armenia’s interest. The discussions are ongoing
in Turkey. Turkey’s conflict with Armenia limited its opportunities
and influence in South Caucasus. Armenian-Turkish relations and
Karabakh-related items are separate ones, you shouldn’t link them.
Otherwise the process of normalization may stop. Nevertheless, single
development of any mentioned issues affects the overall atmosphere. So
it’s necessary to provide basis for their positive influence on each
other. We believe that Armenian-Turkish reconciliation provides mew
visions for settlement of Karabakh issue.
– What compromises would Armenia and Azerbaijan make to resolve issue
of Karabakh right now?
– Well, I can’t point any particular compromise. All lines are clear
in Madrid principles, which now, after G8 meeting, are known.
– Can Armenian and Turkish leaders convince the public that they take
right steps?
– Armenian leadership faces many challenges simultaneously. The main
opposition against normalization with Turkey comes not from inside
but from those Armenians who live abroad. So I don’t think that any
explosion inside Armenia is possible. Still this is a serious problem
for the Armenian leadership, since the Diaspora plays a major role
for Armenia. It’s necessary to provide Diaspora’s agreement with
Armenia’s interests.
– When Armenia-Turkey border will open?
– It should happen in two month after Parliaments of the two countries
adopt ratification.
– Do you think the protocols will be adopted?
– I believe, yes. It’s Armenia’s vital interest as well as interest
of Turkey. Turkey has started this process not due to any sympathetic
considerations in regard to Armenia, but because it is in the interests
of Turkey itself. This process is within the framework on new Turkish
neighborhood policy. Sure, it’s important to Turkey to take into
account Azerbaijan’s interests. Anyway, after all, to complete this
process is Turkey’s interest.
– How do you think the Armenian-Turkish reconciliation will influence
South Caucasus economy which is locked by Azerbaijani and Central
Asian resources?
– Normalization with Turkey will provide new opportunities and will
have positive impact on security and economy in region.
– Can Armenian-Turkish normalization provide Armenia’s move towards
Euro-Atlantic integration?
– Armenia is already involved in many EU programs; it participates in
Association Agreement within the framework of the Eastern Partnership
as well as in European Neighborhood Policy. The negotiations on
associative UN membership will perhaps soon begin. These programs
will go on regardless of whether the border opens or not.