Orientalist Ruben Safrastyan excludes any breakthrough in Armenian-Turkish relations in the nearest future. He thinks that Turkey displays less interest towards South Caucasus.
"Today Turkey has activated its diplomacy in the Near East. British Prime Minister David Cameron's visit to Turkey is not accidental in this context. Cameron voiced strong support for Turkey's membership in the European Union and vowed to fight passionately to make the country's case," Safrastyan said.
"Great Britain and America want Turkey to side with the EU. Meanwhile, the West fears lest Turkey should enter into a close cooperation with the Islamic world. There is no point in pressurizing Turkey in issues where the country pursues its interests. Turkey has a great experience in resisting pressure and shrinking responsibility. Turkey tends to play fast and loose."
The orientalist thinks that Turkey displays a formal stance in the talks on the Karabakh conflict and fully supports Azerbaijan. But it weakens Turkey's position and lessens the country's influence beyond its boundaries.
Regarding Mattyew Bryza's appointment as U.S. Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Mr. Safrastyan said, "I do not pay great importance to Bryza's appointment. The USA could have nominated a more serious diplomat for the post."
Ruben Safrastyan shares Levon Ter-Petrosyan's statement that the key to the Karabakh conflict lies in the hands of Russia.
"The USA does not focus on South Caucasus. I have already said that the Russian-Georgian conflict which ended with Georgia's crushing defeat radically changed the situation in South Caucasus and created a new status quo, thus strengthening Russia's position."
