YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 10, ARMENPRESS. Political scientist Ara Papian predicts tension in Russian-Turkish relations. He is inclined to think that the conflict has more possibility to escalate than vice versa.

According to Ara Papian, the tension is most likely to be manifested in Syrian airspace, by the air force crash. “I do not think the sides will reach an agreement particularly on the issue of Syria and Assad as both sides are interested in the war,” Head of “Modus Vivendi” Center, Ara Papian said in the meeting with journalists, “Armenpress” reports. He did not rule out that Russia will use Russian military base in Armenia. “Such a development is not desirable for us, because we will have to get involved in this conflict,” Ara Papian mentioned adding that raising the issue on works over exploitation of Iran-Nakhichevan-Armenia-Georgia railway will be considered the only way.

Referring to the question whether the fact that Turkey is a member of NATO could keep Russia back from the possible escalation of the conflict; Ara Papian noticed that war against Turkey does not mean a war in the Turkish territory. According to NATO agreement, the direct attack on one of its members is considered an attack on NATO. The political scientist added that NATO is not particularly keen to support Turkey as it has become a country causing problems for NATO.

As to the question whether Azerbaijan is interested in aggravation of Russian-Turkish relations, Ara Papian stated that Azerbaijan will have to make a choice between its fraternal Turkey and Russian which means that it is not interested in the tension of relations.