Armenian diplomat: "Despite existence of statehood, Azerbaijan is still perceived in Ankara as Turkey's province"

The deputy noted that the situation in the South Caucasus and the format of relations are similar to those in the early 20th century. He noted that the competition between Russia and Turkey in the region is the same. However, though position of the Tsarist Russia was favorable for Armenia, the position of the Soviet one caused numerous losses for Armenia.

Aruyunyan noted that the Armenian-Turkish relations do not deserve speaking of, as there are no relations on the diplomatic level.

"There is only a "football diplomacy", noted he.

He said the Armenian-Turkish relations can never be settled without the resolution of the issue on recognition of "Armenian genocide".

"This is an issue of not only Armenian-Turkish, but also Armenian-Turkish-Azerbaijani relations, for Turkey makes everything possible for the resolution of the Karabakh issue in Azerbaijan's favor", said the deputy noting that today the key point of the Armenian-Turkish relations is the issue of return of Nagorno Karabakh to Azerbaijan.

He said despite existence of statehood, Azerbaijan continues to be perceived in Ankara as Turkey's province,

"Thus, Turkey protects its own interests in the Karabakh issue", noted he.

According to the Armenian deputy, there is not a single political power in Armenia, which would agree on concessions for the resolution of relations with Turkey.

He stressed the need to consolidate all powers to resist Turkey's policy both in the issue of recognition of "Armenian genocide" and in the resolution of the Karabakh conflict.

"This policy of the Turkish diplomacy is inadmissible", said he.

/Regnum/