Armenia will have an important role in regional processes soon, an expert said.

According to Rudolf Yaralyan, the statements French President Nicolas Sarkozy made in Yerevan during his visit prove Europe’s vision of Armenia as an important actor in the regional developments.

This, he said, is a blow to Pan-Turkic projects in the region.

Sarkozy challenged Turkey to face up to its past and threatened to pass the law that would make denying the Genocide a crime. “I am hopeful that the people and government of Turkey will be wise to recognize this crime against humanity. If Turkey came to acknowledge the dark pages of its history, both Armenia and France would eye it as a gesture of peace and reconciliation, which can never be based on denial,” he said, adding that he expects to see the Armenian Genocide recognition by Turkey during his presidency.

Besides, Sarkozy said France doesn't see Turkey in the European Union.

As to possible energy programs in Armenia, Sarkozy said a French delegation will arrive in Armenia in the near future to investigate possibilities of peaceful use of nuclear energy. “Armenia needs it,” he said.