Armenian Turkologist Hakob Chakryan welcomes Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian participation in the swearing-in ceremony of the Turkish president-elect Recep Erdoghan. Otherwise it could put an international pressure of Armenia, Chakryan told reporters on Thursday.
He called it a diplomatic step that will not damage the country's authority. "USA and EU constantly press official Ankara over denial of the Armenian Genocide. If the Armenian party did not accept the invitation, the wave of criticism would be levered at Yerevan," the expert said. According to him, at such events, ministers discuss relevant issues and the Armenian delegation would not be involved in the discussions if the deputy minister or other inferior official headed it.
Chakryan does not think that Turkish president will be officially invited to attend the events timed to the Armenian Genocide centennial, as the protocol of the swearing-in ceremony does not allow such procedures. However, he said, everything is possible. Turkey's delegation can attend the events dedicated to the Armenian Genocide centennial, if Ankara abandons its policy of denial, Chakryan said.
The Turkish president's swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for 28 August.