November 17, 2008 - 15:52 AMT
Vladimir Zakharov: Turkey's regional initiatives mere intention to root its positions
Turkey's aspiration to join the Karabakh talks and its Caucasus stability and cooperation pact is merely an intention to root its positions in the region, a Russian expert said.

"Ankara's initiatives will remain on paper," Vladimir Zakharov, the head of the Center of Caucasus Studies at Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO), told a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter.

After the war in South Ossetia, Turkey proposed a Caucasus stability and cooperation platform supposed to bring together Russia, Turkey, Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Besides, Turkish President Abdullah Gul announced his intention to mediate between the Armenian and Azerbaijani Presidents. "The OSCE Minsk Group failed to produce effect during 17 years of its mediation. Turkey-Armenia and Azerbaijan-Armenia issues are not only bilateral but also territorial. The situation in the region has changed. Resolution of conflicts will lead to political and economic stability," he said.