In Armenian-Turkish negotiations not the result, but the process itself is of interest to Turkey, stated Vartan Oskanian, the former Foreign Minister of Armenia and President of “Civilitas” Foundation. According to him, by cashing in on this issue Turkey has reaped dividends, whereas Armenia is no better off than before.

“Turkey’s actions were so obvious that I am not surprised at the result. We should not have afforded such an opportunity to Turkey,” Oskanian said, commenting on the Armenian President’s recent statement.

At his meeting with the President of Cyprus in Yerevan, Serzh Sargsyan said: “We want eliminate the borders in Europe. But we are not going to allow this process to be used for deceiving the international community.”

Considering the ten-year-long negotiations with Turkey, Oskanian believes that Turkey wants to show the world that all problems with Armenia are just about to be solved. “They are doing it to prevent other countries from interfering in the Armenian-Turkish relations, that is, from recognizing the Armenian Genocide and from exerting pressure on Turkey respecting other matters. I think the incumbent authorities should have realized it,” Oskanian noted. According to him, the Armenian party must take steps to quit the situation with minimal losses.

Oskanian expressed concern that the current situation may have a negative impact on the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process. Oskanian disagrees with some experts and political figures who believe Armenia should break off the negotiations with Turkey. “The Armenian party must think of how to prevent Turkey from profiting from the rapprochement process. We have to avoid publicity, maintain ties with Turkey and try to discuss problems at a lower level. This is the right way,” Oskanian said.