No changes in the Armenian-Turkish process should be expected before the election processes are over in Turkey, Mustafa Aydin, President of the International Relations Council of Turkey, told journalists.
Turkish Premier Recep Erdogan has repeatedly stated that the Armenian-Turkish process will be continued provided the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process shows progress. He will not go back on his word as long as he is Premier.
Even after the elections, no special changes should be expected in the Armenian-Turkish process. It is Armenia that must take steps, as the Justice and Development party led by Recep Erdogan is most likely to win the elections.
However, it does not at all mean that Armenia must settle the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in exchanged for improved relations with Turkey. It is only steps that will show Armenia’s goodwill that are in question. Otherwise, the Armenian-Turkish process may be forgotten, and a new one may be launched as soon as next autumn, Mustafa Aydin said.
He pointed out that Armenian-Turkish relations will be improved before Turkey joins the European Union – if it ever happens at all.
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