Istanbul-based Director of International Crisis Group (ICG) Europe Program dismissed the linkage between the Armenia-Turkey reconciliation and Nagorno Karabakh issue.

“Many in Armenian, Turkish opposition groups and social circles stand against Armenian-Turkish protocols. Many in Baku claim that Turkey closed border with Armenia due to Karabakh conflict and won’t open it until Armenia withdraws its armed forces from Karabakh. Starting talks with Armenia, Turkey believed it would not face that harsh protest from the Azerbaijan. Yet Baku urged Ankara to consider its stance regarding ties with Yerevan,” Sabine Freizer told bs-kavkaz.org.

Dwelling on her vision for Nagorno Karabakh’s future, the expert noted provision of interim status and security proposed by OSCE Minsk Group as the best solution to the conflict settlement.