Ankara trying to enhance its reputationFebruary 21, 2009 - 14:53 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - There are several geopolitical factors which will affect the Armenian-Turkish relations, according to an Armenian professor."The U.S. key dimension is Afghanistan, which sidelined Iran and Iraq," director of the Institute of Oriental Studies at the RA National Academy of Sciences, professor Ruben Safrastyan told a news conference today. "For the purpose, Washington will need Ankara's support. Keep in mind that CIS chief arrived in Turkey immediately after Obama's phone talks with President Gul and Prime Minister Erdogan," he said. "Leon Panetta was reported to discuss a possibility of deploying of a U.S. base in Turkey." This scenario will inevitably affect the Armenian-Turkish relations, according to prof. Safrastyan. "Proceeding from national interests, Barack Obama will not use the term 'genocide' in his annual April 24 statement," he said. He also emphasized that that after the Russian-Georgian clashes, Europe will work to launch Nabucco project, which will pump Azeri gas to European states through Turkey. "During his recent visit to Brussels, Erdogan did not rule out that Turkey will renounce its EU bid. This way, Ankara is trying to enhance its reputation," prof. Safrastyan said. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Armenia Security Council chief traveling to Qatar Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia Armen Grigoryan will travel on a working visit to Qatar. Armenian Foreign Minister regrets “tragic loss” of Iranian counterpart The Armenian Foreign Ministry has expressed shock over the death of the Iranian President and the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Armenian PM sends condolences to Iran Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan sent a message of condolence to the Supreme Leader Seyyed Ali Khamenei. Armenia, Turkey discuss restoration of historic bridge The meeting took place on May 17 in Ashgabat on the sidelines of an international conference of ministers of culture. |