By Times.am at 28 July, 2010, 6:13 pm
Turkologist Artak Shakaryan said that certain progress may be recorded in the Armenian-Turkish normalization in September. Real steps for the Protocols’ ratification will be not be taken, but Ankara would like to demonstrate to the world that it exerts efforts for the establishment of good neighborly relations with Yerevan, Shakaryan told a press conference.
Commenting on reports about possibility of the Armenian-Turkish border opening in September 2010 to allow passage of the Turkish delegation to participate in NATO exercises in Armenia, Artak Shakaryan noted that it is highly improbable and depends on results of the September referendum on constitutional reforms in Turkey, PanARMENIAN.Net reported.
Artak Shakaryan also said, that if before Turkey expected Armenia’s refusal from territorial claims, at present Ankara’s more focused on Karabakh conflict settlement issue.
“Any concessions on Karabakh conflict settlement could serve as a green light to Ankara in normalization of ties with Armenia,” the expert told a news conference in Yerevan.
Turkologist Artak Shakaryan also spoke about Surb Khach Armenian Church on Akhtamar island. He said that the ecclesiastical service in the Church due September 19 is a cosmetic procedure aimed at throwing dust in Europe’s eyes.
The Turkish authorities may set the cross for several days and then take it away, Shakaryan told a press conference in Yerevan.
“Turkey will use the issue as a subject of bargaining with Armenia,” concluded the expert.
