Director of International Strategic Research Organization Sedat Laciner commented on the protocols that will be signed on October 10 by Turkey and Armenia. Here is the interview of Laciner to TRT;
Q: Why Switzerland?
A: First of all, it is hard to find countries that do not support Armenian allegations. Of course it would be better if it would be a objective country like England, but the mission of mediation is an important factor here. Switzerland was not very ambitious for mediation. On the other hand, it could be an advantage for Turkey that Switzerland previously gave support to the Armenian allegations. Turkey can make itself understood better and same time it can strengthen its thesis.
Q: What is the position of Azerbaijan?
A: Turkey is already making all steps with Azerbaijan. Karabakh problem is as important as the issue of so called Armenian genocide for Turkey. Turkey already declared this and Prime Minister several times underlined that fact. In the process, if we count Switzerland, Azerbaijan is like a fourth party. Besides, Turkey and Azerbaijan constantly share information about the processes. Azerbaijan is being informed about developments, other than that Turkey took the approval of Azerbaijan about this issue. Azerbaijan is aware of Turkey’s good will and they trust Turkey.
The World was unaware of the occupation in Karabakh till now. The land that Armenia keeps under occupation is more than the land that Israel invaded. Turkey made the World realize the occupation in Nagorno-Karabakh.
Q: What will be the gainings of Turkey?
Success of protocols is dependent to the process of resolution of Nagorno-Karabakh problem, and that is told to Obama, Russia and France. The next meeting towards resolution of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict will be in a much more serious mood. First of all, this process is the gaining of Turkey by itself. In the opinion of international community Turkey had an image like Turkey was smothering Armenia and not letting it to develop. By this process Turkey proved that it is not aggressive. If protocols can be realized Turkey will gain much more advantages. A committee of historians is planned to be established. Such a committee may undermine the genocide allegations of Armenian diaspora.
Although there are rumours about borders, recognition of borders clearly mentioned in protocols. Altough Armenia does not recognize treaty of Kars now, they will be recognizing it through protocols. Dashnaks are very uncomfortable that ratifying protocols will mean that Armenia recognizes Turkey’s territorial integrity.
What will be the gainings of Turkey? We can count three of them. First is recognition of borders, second is about genocide allegations, and third is Nagorno-Karabakh problem. Normalization of relations would be the fourth gaining for Turkey.
Q: What kind of developments are expected to happen in Armenia and Caucasus?
Opening of borders will affect Russia. But the main problem might be the situation of Georgia. Since Armenia and Azerbaijan uses Georgia as a route for transportation, the influence of Georgia will decrease. On the other hand, Azerbaijan will have another gate to World and it will be relaxing for Azerbaijan. But we should not be expecting for results so soon. Moving in hurry may cause conflicts in Nagorno-Karabakh.
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
