  Turkish nationalism starts at school-ageAugust 13, 2009 - 20:41 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - "In terms of perceiving Armenian-Turkish rapprochement, Turkish society can be divided into 3 parts: nationalists, who have a negative attitude to border opening, neutral people, and liberals who positively treat the process," Turkish Studies specialist Ruben Melkonyan, expert at Noravank scientific-research foundation, told today a seminar devoted to "Armenian-Turkish relations: present and past". Turkish ideology, according to him, starts from a schoolchild's oath. Kemal Atatürks slogan saying "I am proud to be a Turk" reflects religious and national intolerance, Melkonyan said, adding that nationalists in present-day Turkish society make up a majority. The expert brought the example of Turkish chauvinists who mounted a protest against the proposal to organize Armenia-Turkey football match in Kayseri, President Gül's hometown. "That was immediately followed by protests. 250 Turks signed below a petition expressing unwillingness to see Armenians in their town," Armenian expert said. In a joint press-conference with his Serbian colleague Boris Tadić, RA President Serzh Sargsyan said he will go to Turkey only in case Armenian-Turkish border opens or parties in the run-up to lifting blockade. Armenia-Turkey return match within the frames of WC 2010 qualification tournament is due in October 14, 2014, in Bursa, in the stadium after Atatürk.   Top stories As a result of floods in Armenia’s northern Lori and Tavush provinces, 17 bridges, including five large ones, have collapsed. David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has met with Stephan Schütz, Executive Partner at Gerkan, Marg and Partners. The number of state universities will be reduced from 23 to 8 by 2030, Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport Zhanna Andreasyan has said.   Partner news |  Related sections Topic Latest news Aliyev: No peace treaty unless Armenia changes constitution  Azerbaijan will not sign a peace treaty with Armenia unless the latter changes its constitution, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said.Azerbaijan proposes Armenia to jointly seek cancelation of Minak Group The Azerbaijani President maintained that the move will show “how sincere Armenia is.”Pashinyan’s spokesperson denies intention to visit Baku for COP29 Pashinyan’s agenda doesn’t include a trip to Baku for the COP29 conference, his press secretary Nazeli Baghdasaryan has said.Russia accuses West of preparing invasion of CSTO countries NATO is preparing an invasion of the CSTO countries, the number of provocations in the air is growing, Sergei Shoigu has said. |
