U.S. is concerned with its geopolitical and economic interests in Caucasus, so I take U.S. Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg’s visit to our region an 'inspection visit'," Azeri political scientist Zardusht Alizade stated. According to him, Steinberg will exert pressure on Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan in the course of his visit to Yerevan so as Armenia accepts Madrid Principles, while discussing Armenia-Turkey border opening with Baku and Ankara.

“I am confident that Armenia-Turkey reconciliation will be discussed at Steinberg-Aliyev meeting to have Baku not hindering the process. This issue will also be discussed with Turkish FM Ahmet Davutoglu. That is at the meetings both Baku and Ankara should set their conditions on Washington to achieve success in Armenia-Turkey rapprochement. It is not accidental that Steinberg will meet with Aliyev and Davutoglu after the meeting with Serzh Sargsyan. Taking into account the recent statements by Erdogan and Ilham Aliyev, Americans will not get the desired result,” the expert noted.

According to him, Armenia-Turkey reconciliation is not an urgent issue for Ankara at least till 2011 parliamentary elections. “Erdogan’s office will not advance the process in such tensed political situation. Yerevan also realizes that Turkey protracted the issue for quite a while. In any case, the last word will be after Ankara and its stance is clear,” Alizade stated.

L.A.