Armenian-Turkish relations and Karabakh conflict discussed in Moscow

Among other issues the round table participants also paid attention to the possible opening of the Armenian-Turkish border and possible linking of this issue to the resolution of the Karabakh conflict.

In particular, head of the information and analytical center on CIS problems under the Moscow State University Alexei Vlasov noted that any violation of balance of powers between Armenia and Azerbaijan may have a negative impact on the status of official Ankara as a possible arbiter in this issue and challenge its possible mediation.

"The Nagorno Karabakh problem is so mature and painful that success or failure of the Russian-Turkish initiatives in its resolution will determine the prospects of the Caucasus as a stability and good neighborhood area. At the same time the regional format of the resolution of the Karabakh issue is more attractive than active interference of the third powers", noted Vlasov.

During the round table the sides also noted that the steps of the Turkish leadership prove that skills to balance between the hostile powers was fully demonstrated by Ankara during the "football diplomacy" with Armenian president Serzh Sargsyan and during the uneasy talks with Azerbaijan.

At the same time, touching upon this issue, the Turkish experts tried to "avert the incorrect understanding" of the possible opening of the Armenian-Turkish border as a proof of the rejection to settle the Karabakh conflict on definite provisions.

In exchange for opening borders Turkey expects "changes in Nagorno Karabakh and Armenia's withdrawal from seven regions".

/ArmInfo/