Serious transformations are under way in Turkey, Tevan Pohgosyan, Executive Director of the Armenian Analytical Association, told NEWS.am. According to him, Turkish authorities are trying to make a new state model, which is incompatible with some of the former postulates.

“A referendum implying transformation from a parliamentary into presidential republic is going to be held soon,” Poghosyan said. This is the “prime mover” of the recent excitement in Turkey.

No military coup should be expected in Turkey. “The incumbent pro-Islamic government and the top brass are in conflict over power. The European integration process supported by the Erdogan Government is of high importance for Turkey, whereas the military are not fit for this role,” Poghosyan said. It is one more factor to contribute to the Turkish elite’s victory.

As to whether the Turkish authorities’ pro-Islamic orientation may hamper the country’s European integration, Poghosyan said: “A democratic country is important for Europe, and Islam is by no means an obstacle. Turkey’s social system is now showing a clear tendency toward integration with the European social system, which is, in fact, Europe’s wish,” the expert said.

As regards the Kurdish problem, it is getting severer for the Turkish authorities day by day. “If Turkey fails to calm Kurds down in the near future, it will face even more serious problems,” Poghosyan said.

NEWS.am reminds readers that, on August 4, Turkish President Abdullah Gul confirmed new top-ranking military officials. Against all expectations, the Turkish President did not replace the Chief of the Joint Staff and the Chief Commander of Land Forces. President Gul refused to confirm General Hasan Igsiz as Chief Commander of Land Forces.