Armenia-Turkey border not to open by end of year: Azerbaijani expert

Day.Az: Is there actually a split in the Armenian society about a need to normalize relations with Turkey or is it a well-orchestrated show?

Arif Yunusov: Yes, indeed, in our republic there is no clear understanding of the ongoing processes in Armenian society. They either write about the split, especially between Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh, or suppose that it was all just a game. What actually takes place? To begin with, the topic of the Armenian-Turkish relations is not only very important for the Armenians, but it also largely determines mentality of the Armenians. Almost for two centuries Armenians’ attitude towards Turks was determined in three words: fear, hatred and suspicion.

All the propaganda was based on this all the time. "Turkish factor" for the Armenians was something of a litmus test by which the Armenian society determined their attitude to this or that policy. Once Levon Ter-Petrosyan in early 1990s stated a need for good-neighborly relations with Turkey, it was used against him and many believed him to be a traitor of national interests. It is difficult for Armenian even today to take this step in relation to Turkey. So there is an ambiguous attitude to the question of normalization of relations with Turkey and opening of borders in the Armenian society.

On the other hand, the opening of the Armenia-Turkey border is not in the interests of Russia, which for nearly two centuries presented itself as the sole protector of Armenians from Turks. It is no secret that the pro-Russia sentiments of Armenians today are largely due to fear of Armenians against Turkey. But it is clear that in case of opening of Armenia-Turkey border everything will change dramatically and this myth will collapse. Therefore, forces among Armenians who are connected with Russia ara also against opening of the border.

Q: How do you explain the fact that one of the political forces are actively opposing normalization of Turkey-Armenia relations is Dashnaktsutun which is funded by Armenian diaspora, which, in turn, is highly interested in the withdrawal of Armenia from the worst economic crisis by opening the Turkey-Armenian border?

A: Another mistake is that we all describe Armenian diaspora as one. In fact, the Armenian diaspora is not so united. Even within one country, for example, in the U.S., there are several trends and organizations that impact on their activities. The Armenian diaspora should not be considered as a whole in the world. Besides, there is difference in the views of the new generation of Armenians in the diaspora with the former ones. This is especially noticeable in the U.S. where many young Armenians perceive themselves more Americans than the Armenians. They believe that improving relations with Turkey will bring benefit to both Armenia and the region as a whole.

As to Dashnaktsutun, for it Amenia-Turkey relations are not just a particular theme, but extremely painful and acute matter. After all, it was Dashnaks with which Turks held talks on cooperation before the First World War in 1911. When Dashnaks changed arrangements and, as citizens of the Ottoman Empire, began to help Russia, the Turks accused Dashnaks of disrupting the arrangements and betrayal.

Q: In this case, to what will internal consultation on establishment of diplomatic relations and opening borders between countries in Armenia and Turkey lead?

A: I do not think that everything will be completed before end of this year. Rather, we are at the initial stage of a long and perhaps long-term process. Armenia-Turkey negotiations can be compared with the negotiations to settle the Armenia-Azerbaijan relations. There is a long process in one case, I believe that in either case it will be the same.

Q: Will Azerbaijan benefit from not opening of the border between Armenia and Turkey given increasing statements about possibility of returning part of occupied territories of Azerbaijan by end of this year?

A: I have already mentioned above that I do not believe that the Armenia-Turkey border will be opened until end of the year. I also do not believe in talks about the possibility of return of occupied territories of Azerbaijan and any immediate breakthrough in the negotiations.

If we consider opening of Armenia-Turkey border with conflict science point of view, it can play a positive role for Azerbaijan. This fact can also have a negative consequences. It depends on many factors, including position and activity of the leading political players in the region.

/Day.Az/