Safrastyan: Turkey continues displaying stubbornness in Armenian-Turkish relations

YEREVAN, JULY 14, ARMENPRESS:

Turkey continues displaying stubbornness in the process of normalization of the Armenian-Turkish, trying to seize unilateral concessions, Turkologist Ruben Safrastyan who is also director of the Institute of Oriental Studies of NAS said speaking to Armenpress. According to him, despite the pressures, Turkey continues its unconstructive policy toward Armenia. Commenting on the statement of the US ambassadorial nominee John Heffern that the US will stay committed to encouraging the parties to get the Armenian-Turkish protocols back on track, Safrastyan said the USA has always stated that Turkey must undertake steps that will contribute to the normalization of the Armenian-Turkish relations. "So these statements do not mean that there are new colors in the policy of the USA", Safrastyan said. He expressed conviction that if confirmed the ambassadorial nominee will continue the USA's policy directed toward normalization of relations between Armenia and Turkey.

"It is necessary to take into consideration that Turkey itself forms its policy toward Armenia. In spite of pressures it makes decisions on its own and is still committed to the policy it has adopted", Safrastyan said.