Behlül Özkan: Upcoming elections in Turkey must positively influence on regulation of Armenian-Turkish relations
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YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 15, ARMENPRESS: Armenpress interviewed Behlül Özkan, lecturer of foreign policy at Bogazici University in Istanbul, about the opportunities of regulation of Armenian-Turkish relations, about the future of the Armenian-Turkish relations and the role of Azerbaijan in all this.
-Mr. Özkan, the Turkish party often mentions that the Armenian-Turkish border can be opened in case Armenian forces are withdrawn from the NK neighboring territories. Does not it contradict ‘without preconditions’ negotiation logic and the spirit of Armenian-Turkish protocols?
We do not know what has been discussed in the negotiation process on preparing of the protocols, but one thing is distinct – Turkey has always said that it does not think that the Armenian-Turkish relations can be regulated separately from the all-Caucasian peace.
Naturally, this is not mentioned in the protocols as condition. But there is a circumstance, where I agree with the Armenian party; let’s the borders open, diplomatic relations are established between Turkey and Armenia, atmosphere of mutual trust is developed. If the borders open and stay open at least 5 years, if the Armenian-Turkish relations undergo such changes that it will not be possible to think about a step back, then it will be possible to speak about mutual concessions.
-In your opinion what kinds of developments are possible in regard to the future of Armenian-Turkish protocols?
-I think the upcoming elections will positively influence on regulation of Armenian-Turkish relations, as in foreign policy we will go to maintenance of the status-quo. Before the elections no radial changes will take place in the foreign policy of Armenia, and after elections the ruling party will win, it will take the policy to regulation of the issue. So, I do not observe the Armenian-Turkish protocols outside the foreign policy of Turkey; hence I am optimistic about the issue of opening of the borders. Optimism does not stem from this or that point of the protocols, but from the global processes in general.
-Parliamentary elections are expected in the running year in Turkey. What do you forecast in this regard? How can the arrangement of forces in Turkish political field influence on regulation of Armenian-Turkish relations?
-After the upcoming parliamentary elections I forecast improvement in Armenian-Turkish relations.
-How do you assess the role of Azerbaijan in regulation process of Armenian-Turkish relations?
-Azerbaijan has not played a positive role in this process over the last years. The Azerbaijani administration thinks that if the Armenia-Turkish border opens, then the Azerbaijani positions will weaken in Karabakh conflict. If the Armenian-Turkish border opens, according to Aliyev, Armenia will strengthen in the issue of Karabakh conflict. Consequently, Turkey wants to propose something new for getting the approval of Azerbaijan. We must always give the following question – is Turkey ready to spoil the relations with Azerbaijan for regulating the Armenian-Turkish relations. I do not think.