Expert: Israel’s apology unlinked to Genocide debate in Knesset

PanARMENIAN.Net - Israel and Turkey have still a long path to pursue for restoration of bilateral relations, according to director of East European States and CIS Institute.

As Alexander Tsinker told a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter, the discussion of the Armenian Genocide issue in Israel's Knesset is unlinked to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s apology to Turkey.

“President Barack Obama urged for the apology as the restoration of Israeli-Turkish ties would benefit the U.S. in the face of possible joint actions against Syria. However, the feasibility of rapprochement is a big issue. I don’t think Netanyahu will satisfy Turkish counterpart Erdoğan’s demands,” the expert said.

Dwelling on the discussion of Genocide in Knesset, Mr Tsinker stressed the need of promotion of the issue.

“The issue was actively promoted by MPs Ze'ev Elkin, Zahava Galon, Nino Abesadze, head of Armenian-Israeli parliamentary friendship group and former speaker Reuven Rivlin. The latter’s possible chairmanship of Israel-Armenia parliamentary group would greatly benefit the issue. Abesadze failed to enter the parliament, with Elkinb assuming the post of deputy foreign minister. The country will pursue a balanced foreign policy if Avigdor Lieberman continues on the post of the foreign minister,” he said.