ArmInfo. Armenian-Turkish relations can only be normalized if Ankara waives its preconditions to Yerevan, Viktor Nadein-Raevski of the Institute of World Economy and International Relations, RF Academy of Sciences, told ArmInfo.
"The process has got underway, with some optimism about it. On the other hand, we very well remember the failure of the 2009 process under the Zurich protocols. And the willingness for real rapprochement on the part of Armenia and Turkey can first of all be demonstrated through establishment of diplomatic relations, re-opening of transport corridors and borders via Armenia and Turkey. However, Ankara must be insisting on the recognition of historically Armenian territories as part of Turkey, as well as on Armenia renouncing the process of international recognition of the Armenian Genocide. As to Armenia being ready for that, it is not yet clear," the expert said.
The current configuration of the Armenian-Turkish negotiations is to a large extent the result of the 44-day war, Mr Nadein-Raevski said. He notes that neutralizing a hotbed in the southern borders of Russia was in Moscow's interests. In this context, Russia will benefit from normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations - provided the Armenian people's rights are respected, the expert said.
The Armenian and Turkish special envoys for normalization of relations held their first meeting in Moscow, Russia, on January 14. Parliament Vice-Speaker Ruben Rubinyan represented Armenia, with Turkey represented by the ex-ambassador to the USA Serdar Kilic. Following the meeting, the Armenian and Turkish foreign office released similar statements on a constructive atmosphere at the negotiations. In its turn, the Russian foreign office stated that the parties showed their readiness to conduct a non-political and constructive dialogue.
At the current stage, Ankara is applying soft power to Armenia - in the Turkish style, that is, in a rather aggressive way. And the ultimate goal is making Armenia its vassal state. And Turkey is moving on in this direction using its highly flexible diplomacy. Turkey could demonstrate it in successfully manoeuvring between Russia and the US.
"As part of this policy and using such instruments, Turkey will be seeking Armenia's favor by moving toward Yerevan and offering minor concessions and opportunities. Among them are air flights in both directions and initiatives to intensify bilateral contacts. Another factor is the absence of Ankara's negative messages addressed to Yerevan, and the reason is Armenia's modest expectations in view of re- establishment of diplomatic relations with Turkey," Mr Nadein-Raevski said.