Armenian analyst on Russian-Turkish relations

Armenian analyst Ohanes Nikogosian is very much concerned about the current warming of relations between Russia and Turkey. He says that historically any such closeness has resulted in Armenia losing some of its territories. He asks what price Armenia will pay for cordial Russian-Turkish relations, as this alliance is absolutely against Armenia’s interest.

Nikogosian does however cite some factors which might prevent the alliance between the two countries becoming very extensive. Turkish membership of NATO is one, and another is a certain laziness in US foreign policy towards Turkey and the entire region. It appears that many decision making bodies are waiting for the outcome of the forthcoming Parliamentary elections in Turkey, but Nikogosian thinks that it is in Armenia’s interests that the US gets more involved in issues concerning this region, as Russia alone is unable to guarantee Armenia’s security currently.

The analyst thinks that the April visit of Armenia’s President to Washington was a good sign and suggests that Armenia should encourage the US to get more involved in Armenian issues in general. He says that an Armenian (not American) centre should be established in Washington for this purpose.