THERE IS GROWING RESENTMENT AND FRUSTRATION IN ARMENIA: ARMENIAN EXPERT

Today.Az
http://www.today.az/news/politics /55092.html
Aug 28 2009
Azerbaijan

Armenian expert and Director of Armenian Center for National and
International Studies Richard Giragosian commented on a recent
statement by Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan that he will not visit
Turkey until Turkey-Armenia border is reopened.

"This statement reflects Armenia's growing resentment and frustration
over what seems to be either an unwillingness or insincerity among
the Turkish leadership for truly carrying forward the process of
normalization and forging a new relationship with Armenia," the
expert said.

The expert said it seems likely that the Armenian president will
travel to Turkey in October.

"Any last minute attempt to link the Turkish-Armenian issue to the
Karabagh conflict would be both a strategic mistake and an affirmation
of those who have always doubted Turkey's desire to normalize relations
with Armenia," he added.

"The two issues are separate and have no direct link and the Karabagh
conflict can not be, and should not be, any sort of precondition by
the Turkish side," he said.

"If Turkey decides to reopen the border with Armenia and to
extend diplomatic relations with Armenia, such moves should not be
misinterpreted as any kind of gift or reward to Armenia," Grigosian
said.