U.S. recognition of the Armenian Genocide depends on Israel, according to the director of Armenian National Academy of Sciences’ Oriental Studies Institute.

“The pressure of Jewish lobby, as well as tensions in Israel-Turkey ties may cause a change in U.S. policy on Genocide recognition,” Ruben Safrastyan told a news conference in Yerevan.

As the expert noted, Ankara-Washington relations are mostly dependent on Jewish lobby. “All depends on how far Israel is ready to go, given the possibility of dramatic exacerbation of Turkey-U.S. ties after the latter’s Genocide recognition,” Safrastyan said.

Commenting on Armenia-Turkey relations, the expert noted Syria and Middle East issues to be on Ankara’s priority agenda, with the latter unready for any Armenia-related initiatives.

“However, once Turkey’s increased its regional presence, it might start a more aggressive diplomacy,” the expert concluded.