The recent announcement on normalizing Turkish-Armenian relations is a potentially historic breakthrough. However, the lack of progress in implementing the "framework agreement" raises questions about Turkey's intentions and resolve, Columbia University expert David Philips says in an article published in Boston Globe. "During the conflict in Karabakh, Turkey closed border with Armenia in support of Azerbaijan. In the meantime, Armenian-Turkish conflict has lasted many years because of Turkey's negation of Armenian Genocide during World War I," Philips writes.

After meeting with Turkish officials on April 7 in Istanbul, Obama concluded that resolution of Nagorno-Karabakh was not a formal precondition for normalization and recognition. But as a practical matter it is a deal-breaker, the expert further notes. "Armenian and Azerbaijani negotiators agree on 'basic ideas' for resolving Nagorno-Karabakh's status. But Turkey responded that Ankara's interests cannot be held hostage by Azerbaijan forever. As regards Obama administration, it is committed to good relations with Turkey and Armenia. Both are US allies and help counter global extremism. Therefore, US mediation is indispensable to the agreement on normalization and recognition," Philips stresses.