The London Information Network on Conflicts and State-building (LINKS) Executive Director Dennis Sammut spoke in an interview with Day.Az.
Day.Az: What is your view on Turkish-Armenian intentions to normalize bilateral relations?
Dennis Sammut: I very much welcome the announcement made on 31 August that Armenia and Turkey intend to sign two protocols within the next six weeks, leading towards the establishment of diplomatic relations and the normalization of relations. I think this will have a positive impact on the situation in the region.
Q: Some of Armenian opposition parties are against normalization of relations with Turkey. Do you think that Armenian society is ready for real cooperation with Turkey, as well with Azerbaijan?
A: It is true that some Armenian political forces are against this process. In fact one of the parties of the government coalition – the Dashnaks – left the coalition in May, mainly on this issue. It is to be expected that on such emotional issues there will be differences in society. However I believe that the majority of Armenian society wants a future of peace and prosperity for themselves and for future generations.
We should not underestimate the strong feelings that exist in both Armenian and Azerbaijani society. Too much blood has been spilt. But I am sure that common sense will prevail over emotion.
Q: Baku says that improvements between Ankara and Yerevan should be only after settlement of Karabakh conflict or real progress in this process. How would you comment on that position and the link between these two problems?
A: There are different stages of this process. In my view the quicker Armenia and Turkey establish diplomatic relations the better. This is the basis for a civilized relationship between states, and binds the sides to working together within the framework of international norms. After that a huge amount of work needs to be done to normalize Armenia-Turkish relations and this work will take years and not weeks. A lot of issues impact this process, and Karabakh is one of them. It would not be realistic not to recognize this. However there is also another side of this argument. Improvement in Turkish-Armenian relations will also positively impact the Karabakh peace process, at least in the medium to long term.
Q: Do you expect that Turkish leadership will keep its promise to Baku and open the borders with Armenia only after the liberation of the occupied territories?
A: It is the view of many that Armenia should start withdrawing from the territories of Azerbaijan around Nagorno Karabakh, regardless of relations with Turkey. This is recognized by all sides as being a key step in the process of peaceful resolution of the Karabakh conflict. This conflict has dragged on for too long and everybody is now expecting progress on this issue also. Turkey will always be a friend and strategic ally of Azerbaijan and this will impact its actions in the future also.
Q: There is opinion that West (mostly U.S. and EU) put pressure on Turkey to make it open borders with Armenia. Do you share this opinion and how strong is Turkey to resist this pressure?
A: This is not a question of pressure but rather one of encouragement and persuasion. Turkey is a regional power and a key ally of the United States and Europe. The Turkish government has taken a decision based on very long and deep analysis, after which it concluded that normalizing relations with Armenia is in its long term national interest, and its policies reflect this. The US and the EU, but indeed also Russia, have all welcomed the announcement of 31 August by Ankara and Yerevan.
Day.Az
