Speaking with professor of Government and Politics in George Mason University Mark N. Katz commented on the signing of the Armenian-Turkish protocols.
“I believe that the parliaments of both countries will ratify the agreement. Although the Armenian diaspora may have strong influence in the countries where it resides, I don’t think it is so influential in Armenia itself. Any objections, that the diaspora community may have to the agreement is likely to be ignored by the Armenian government. As to the Turkey-Armenia football match, on the one hand, it would be a friendly reciprocal jesture. On the other, staying away could be a gesture of appeasement toward those Armenians who oppose the agreement–giving them something that is essentially worth nothing,” Katz said.
The professor also commented on the Nagorno-Karabakh problem and the signing of the protocols.
“Interestingly, the Washington Post reported yesterday (Oct. 11) that it was US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton who got the Turkish and Armenian foreign ministers to sign the protocols, with Lavrov playing a supporting role,” said Katz.
“I recently had a conversation with an Azeri diplomat who said that an Azeri-Armenian agreement over Nargono-Karabakh is almost ready to be signed. I believe that outside powers – whether America, Russia, or someone else–could play an important role in helping them iron out the remaining details,” Katz said regarding the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
Day.Az
