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Peter Semneby's Interview On Benefits Of Armenian-Turkish Ties

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  • Peter Semneby's Interview On Benefits Of Armenian-Turkish Ties

    PETER SEMNEBY'S INTERVIEW ON BENEFITS OF ARMENIAN-TURKISH TIES

    Aysor
    Nov 2 2009
    Armenia

    In an interview with reporter of "Vremya novostey" Ivan Sukhov, EU
    Special Representative for South Caucasus Peter Semneby has talked
    about Armenian-Turkish relations and developments in Caucasus.

    - The current situation between Armenia and Turkey cannot last
    forever, everyone have to adapt to normalization, open borders,
    and so on. It's necessary to consider how to protect and develop own
    interests in region under new situation. The war in Georgia showed that
    proceeding territorial conflicts bring great risks. This developing
    moved Armenian-Turkish relations.

    When asked whether Russian influence in Caucasus fines down due to
    normalization between Armenia and Turkey, Peter Semneby said so far
    as Russia invests in Armenia's infrastructure and builds railways it
    can benefit only from open borders.

    - Do you think Armenian-Turkish reconciliation is an achievement of
    the Armenian diplomacy? Does Armenia really managed to separate issue
    of normalization relations with Turkey and issue of Karabakh?

    - This process started moving not only with Armenia's hand. It's clear
    that this process in Armenia's interest. The discussions are ongoing
    in Turkey. Turkey's conflict with Armenia limited its opportunities
    and influence in South Caucasus. Armenian-Turkish relations and
    Karabakh-related items are separate ones, you shouldn't link them.

    Otherwise the process of normalization may stop. Nevertheless, single
    development of any mentioned issues affects the overall atmosphere. So
    it's necessary to provide basis for their positive influence on each
    other. We believe that Armenian-Turkish reconciliation provides mew
    visions for settlement of Karabakh issue.

    - What compromises would Armenia and Azerbaijan make to resolve issue
    of Karabakh right now?

    - Well, I can't point any particular compromise. All lines are clear
    in Madrid principles, which now, after G8 meeting, are known.

    - Can Armenian and Turkish leaders convince the public that they take
    right steps?

    - Armenian leadership faces many challenges simultaneously. The main
    opposition against normalization with Turkey comes not from inside
    but from those Armenians who live abroad. So I don't think that any
    explosion inside Armenia is possible. Still this is a serious problem
    for the Armenian leadership, since the Diaspora plays a major role
    for Armenia. It's necessary to provide Diaspora's agreement with
    Armenia's interests.

    - When Armenia-Turkey border will open?

    - It should happen in two month after Parliaments of the two countries
    adopt ratification.

    - Do you think the protocols will be adopted?

    - I believe, yes. It's Armenia's vital interest as well as interest
    of Turkey. Turkey has started this process not due to any sympathetic
    considerations in regard to Armenia, but because it is in the interests
    of Turkey itself. This process is within the framework on new Turkish
    neighborhood policy. Sure, it's important to Turkey to take into
    account Azerbaijan's interests. Anyway, after all, to complete this
    process is Turkey's interest.

    - How do you think the Armenian-Turkish reconciliation will influence
    South Caucasus economy which is locked by Azerbaijani and Central
    Asian resources?

    - Normalization with Turkey will provide new opportunities and will
    have positive impact on security and economy in region.

    - Can Armenian-Turkish normalization provide Armenia's move towards
    Euro-Atlantic integration?

    - Armenia is already involved in many EU programs; it participates in
    Association Agreement within the framework of the Eastern Partnership
    as well as in European Neighborhood Policy. The negotiations on
    associative UN membership will perhaps soon begin. These programs
    will go on regardless of whether the border opens or not.
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