U.S. does not have sufficient leverage to influence Turkey in the Armenian-Turkish reconciliation process, says the Armenian expert.

Director of Caucasus Institute Alexander Iskandaryan considers U.S. remains the main political sponsor of the Armenian-Turkish relations. “The United States remain supporters of the Armenian-Turkish relations, and in this context, the statement of Mr Gordon is evidence thereof,” he told Armenian News-NEWS.am.

Earlier this week Assistant Secretary Philip Gordon stated U.S. disagrees with Turkey that it will ratify the Armenia-Turkey accords if Karabakh peace process achieves progress.

However, U.S. does not have enough leverage to influence Turkey to achieve success. Exerting pressure on Turks in Zurich and pressurizing them in Ankara is completely different thing, Iskandaryan noted.   

In October 2009 Armenia and Turkey signed protocols in Zurich to normalize diplomatic relations between the states. The documents had to be ratified in both countries’ parliaments. However, in 2010 the Armenian president suspended the process due to Turkey’s non-constructive stance. Ankara set preconditions and linked the reconciliation process to resolution of the Karabakh conflict.

The expert noted it is very difficult to pressurize Turkey while it is extending its influence in the Arab world. Iskandaryan expressed confidence that U.S. is going to somehow contribute to continuation of Armenian-Turkey process after the parliamentary elections in Turkey scheduled for this June. However, he deems it would be difficult for U.S. diplomats to implement their plans, as parliamentary election would be followed by presidential one.