Expert in Turkish studies Artak Shakaryan forecast new developments in Kurdish-Turkish relations in 2013-2014, in view of Abdullah Öcalan’s famous statement.

“Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan needs Kurdish support to become a president. Öcalan, in turn, deems it ineffective to wage an armed struggle against Turkey,” the expert said, noting improvement of Turkey’s Kurdish-populated provinces as Öcalan’s wish.

According to Mr Shakaryan, regional developments also affect Turkey’s internal situation.

“Turkey and Israel have agreed to restore bilateral relations,” the expert said, noting formation of Turkish-Israeli alliance against Iran as Barack Obama’s goal.