“The Armenian-Turkish reconciliation process is in stalemate now. I am not share the optimism that the Armenian-Turkish relations can be revitalized in the near future, as no prerequisites are available,” Ruben Melkonyan, Assistant to Dean, Department of Oriental Studies, Yerevan State University, told NEWS.am.

The developments in Turkey suggest the conclusion that the issue of improving relations with Armenia will be driven into the background until at least the parliamentary elections in the country.

“Turkish media reports on the possible reopening of the Armenian-Turkish border, particularly that it may happen this September are mere propaganda. Turkey is thus sending messages to the international community that the Armenian-Turkish reconciliation process is not frozen and has registered some progress,” he said.

Turkey is trying to show itself as a tolerant state to the international community.

The Armenian-Turkish reconciliation can be intensified after the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process has registered some progress. “However, we should think of whether the changes will be of benefit to Armenia. Does the intensification of the Armenian-Turkish process require that of the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process?” he said.

Melkonyan believes the two processes should be considered as individual processes. Turkey is making efforts to link the two processes, and recently assumed a harder line on the matter.

“As regards the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process, progress is now likely due to international pressure rather than as a natural process,” Melkonyan said.