The European Union and Turkey speak much of the Cypriot issue but the hope for the resolution of the problem is vague, Nursun Erel, a political observer of The New Anatolian told a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter. In her words, certain hopes are anchored with the UN plan that can get things moving. However an atmosphere of distrust and disappointment reigns among Cypriots and Turks. We should undertake joint steps to improve the situation," she remarked.

As to Azerbaijan's role in the normalization of the Armenian-Turkish relations, Ms Erel said 'Turkey should not take any stand on the apple of discord, that is the Nagorno Karabakh problem'. In her opinion this fact impedes badly the establishment of neighborly relations in the whole region. Azerbaijan is very jealous of the Armenian-Turkish contacts. The Milli Mejlis chairman was very 'discontent' with the meeting of the Turkish and Armenian parliament speakers. I think that we should communicate with Armenians at all levels. This nation left a deep trace in Turkey's history and culture. Let us take, for example, the temple of Akhtamar, which has been recently reconstructed by a Turkish architect of Armenian origin," Erel said.

Full text of the interview