An Armenian expert commented on the role of neighboring countries in the current Turkish-Syrian crisis, and its possible influence on regional developments.

“Turkey has long been preparing for its current role,” Turkologist Artak Shakaryan told a news conference in Yerevan.

“Saudi Arabia and Qatar are using Turkey’s money to provide ammunition to Syrian rebels. Mercenaries are infiltrating Syria through Turkey. So Turkish authorities can’t very well claim to have a neutral position on the issue,” the expert said.

The expert however, ruled out a possibility of a war between Turkey and Syria in the months to come.

“Turkey aims at weakening Syria’s position in the region, which in turn, will increase Iran’s vulnerability. Even in case of a war in Iran, no foreign forces will appear in the country, with air strikes to be aimed at the country’s nuclear facilities,” he said.

“As for Azerbaijan, were Baku sure of its military excellence it wouldn’t be waiting for a war in neighboring countries to attack Armenia,” the expert concluded.