In 2011 Armenian-Turkish relations will pass into the background, Turkish studies expert Ruben Melkonyan said at today’s press conference.

“Parliamentary elections will be held in the country in 2011, therefore there will be a pause in discussion over Armenian-Turkish dialogue,” he said, adding that certain steps will be definitely taken prior to April 24.

According to the expert, recognition of the Armenian Genocide will be more discussed in the second half of 2011. “If Turkey adopts new constitution, it will provide for changes in procedure of presidential elections,” Melkonyan said, stressing early presidential elections will also hamper debates over Armenian-Turkish dialogue.

In any case one must expect that Turkish authorities will take certain unpredictable steps.