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IN CASE OF NEW WAR IN KARABAKH, TURKEY WILL ASSUME IMPARTIAL POSITION
PanARMENIAN.Net
08.09.2008 GMT+04:00
Interview
Kaan Soyak:
The visit of Turkish president Abdullah Gul to Armenia made a big
stir in the region. Informal contact between the leaders of the
two countries, who have exercised ping-pong diplomacy, can lead
toward normalization of the Armenian-Turkish relations. Kaan Soyak,
Chairman of the Turkish-Armenian Business Development Council (TABC)
commented to PanARMENIAN.Net on the recent developments.
How do you assess the arrival of Turkish President Abdullah Gul
in Yerevan?
Arrival of Turkey's President Abdullah Gul in Yerevan was an important
and resolute step. The fact that he invited Mr Sargsyan to Istanbul
is no less important. We never thought that President Sargsyan
will invite his Turkish counterpart to Armenia and that Mr Gul will
accept the invitation. But it happened. I should mention that the
internal political situation in Turkey did not affect the President's
decision. Moreover, judging by publications in Armenia and Turkish
press, the public in both states welcome normalization of relations
and opening of the border. I am hopeful that Serzh Sargsyan's visit
to Istanbul in 2009 will be another step toward normalization of the
Armenian-Turkish relations. We are neighbors. The region should be
secure and peaceful. This refers not only to South Caucasus countries
but also to Syria, Iran, Iraq and Lebanon.
What is more important for Turkey: recognition of the Armenian Genocide
or resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict?
Recognition of 1915 events as genocide is a more important issue for
Turkey than Karabakh. A commission of historians should be formed to
deal with the issue. Only after that, opening of the border would
become possible. As to the Karabakh problem, Turkey can help the
settlement process. The conflict is a regional issue and war is not
the best way to resole it. I am convinced that Azerbaijan will never
start war against Nagorno Karabakh but if it does, Turkey will assume
an impartial position.
Do you think normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations will help
Turkey to join the EU?
Readiness to normalize relations with Armenia can be described
as a move toward the EU membership. One of EU conditions is normal
relations with neighbors. Although we don't think that Europe is ready
to accept a 70-million Muslim country, we continue reforms. At that,
normalization of relations is as well important for Armenia, which
participates in the ENP.
Media reports about possible opening of the border for transportation
of humanitarian cargo...
When the Georgian-South Ossetian conflict broke out, some Armenian
and Turkish organizations requested Ankara to lift the blockade for
a humanitarian corridor. There is no talk about it yet. But I believe
that it will happen sooner than we expect.
PanARMENIAN.Net
08.09.2008 GMT+04:00
Interview
Kaan Soyak:
The visit of Turkish president Abdullah Gul to Armenia made a big
stir in the region. Informal contact between the leaders of the
two countries, who have exercised ping-pong diplomacy, can lead
toward normalization of the Armenian-Turkish relations. Kaan Soyak,
Chairman of the Turkish-Armenian Business Development Council (TABC)
commented to PanARMENIAN.Net on the recent developments.
How do you assess the arrival of Turkish President Abdullah Gul
in Yerevan?
Arrival of Turkey's President Abdullah Gul in Yerevan was an important
and resolute step. The fact that he invited Mr Sargsyan to Istanbul
is no less important. We never thought that President Sargsyan
will invite his Turkish counterpart to Armenia and that Mr Gul will
accept the invitation. But it happened. I should mention that the
internal political situation in Turkey did not affect the President's
decision. Moreover, judging by publications in Armenia and Turkish
press, the public in both states welcome normalization of relations
and opening of the border. I am hopeful that Serzh Sargsyan's visit
to Istanbul in 2009 will be another step toward normalization of the
Armenian-Turkish relations. We are neighbors. The region should be
secure and peaceful. This refers not only to South Caucasus countries
but also to Syria, Iran, Iraq and Lebanon.
What is more important for Turkey: recognition of the Armenian Genocide
or resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict?
Recognition of 1915 events as genocide is a more important issue for
Turkey than Karabakh. A commission of historians should be formed to
deal with the issue. Only after that, opening of the border would
become possible. As to the Karabakh problem, Turkey can help the
settlement process. The conflict is a regional issue and war is not
the best way to resole it. I am convinced that Azerbaijan will never
start war against Nagorno Karabakh but if it does, Turkey will assume
an impartial position.
Do you think normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations will help
Turkey to join the EU?
Readiness to normalize relations with Armenia can be described
as a move toward the EU membership. One of EU conditions is normal
relations with neighbors. Although we don't think that Europe is ready
to accept a 70-million Muslim country, we continue reforms. At that,
normalization of relations is as well important for Armenia, which
participates in the ENP.
Media reports about possible opening of the border for transportation
of humanitarian cargo...
When the Georgian-South Ossetian conflict broke out, some Armenian
and Turkish organizations requested Ankara to lift the blockade for
a humanitarian corridor. There is no talk about it yet. But I believe
that it will happen sooner than we expect.