September 3, 2009 - 18:58 AMT
Threats to Armenia are mitigated in Armenian -Turkish rapprochement protocols
The whole process will be threatened, should Ankara carry on with imitational policy towards Armenia, CIS Institute's Yerevan Subsidiary Director, politologist Alexander Markarov told a news conference in Yerevan.

"The positive side of Armenian-Turkish rapprochement protocols is that in the eyes of international community, Armenia stands up as a reliable partner, ready to undertake concrete steps. On the negative side, Armenia might have to face internal problems caused by the documents. Still, political discussion is normal and necessary," the politologist emphasized.

Dwelling on Armenian-Turkish rapprochement, Markarov noted that it would provide Armenia with regional integration possibility. "In the issue of Armenian-Turkish rapprochement we usually take notice of Baku's reaction only, disregarding the Georgian factor. The rapprochement and opening of borders is against the interest of Georgia, a transit country between Turkey and Armenia," the politologist emphasized.



He also noted that protocols contain no mention of NKR conflict or Armenian Genocide. "Protocols state that the parties respect norms and principles of international right. The countries' right for self-determination also belongs here. Still, NKR issue is discussed on a different level, and I believe that possible threats to Armenia are mitigated in Armenian -Turkish rapprochement protocols."

As for Armenian-Turkish border, Armenia recognized the present border by becoming UNO member.