The signing of the agreement between Armenia and Turkey wasn't dependent on progress in Karabakh talks, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in an interview with The Wall Street Journal.

Mr. Erdogan also pointed the two processes - a resolution of the Karabakh conflict and rapprochement between Turkey and Armenia - remain linked, and that a positive outcome at this week's talks, to be held in Moldova, would help overall.

The Turkish leader said the only obstacle to signing the deal Saturday would come if Armenia seeks to alter the text. "This is perhaps the most important point - that Armenia should not allow its policies to be taken hostage by the Armenian diaspora," Mr. Erdogan said.