The current situation in Armenia-Turkey relations as it is cannot take forever, as everyone should adapt to the normalization prospects, border opening and etc., EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus Peter Semneby told Russian Vremya Novostey daily. According to him, certain dynamics in solution to the territorial conflicts and Armenian-Turkish relations after August 2008 war in Georgia is registered.

As for Russia’s interest in Armenia-Turkey reconciliation, Semneby said that “this country started to take steps demonstrating it expects changes in the Caucasus long ago.” In addition, all current investments in Armenian infrastructure by Russia will get payback only in case Armenia-Turkey border opens.

Asked whether present progress in relations’ normalization is the achievement of Armenian diplomacy, Semneby replied: “The impetus to reconciliation was given not only by Armenia.” Though the interest of Armenian side is “irrefutable,” Turkey realizes that “can play crucial role in the region only if this issue is defused”. After all, conflict with Armenia “restricted to a large extent chances of Turkey in South Caucasus.”

Semneby also touched upon Karabakh issue and endeavors to link the two regional issues’ settlement, stating similar attempts might reverse both processes: “It is easy get involved in the situation, when chances to normalize relations are re-blocked.” However, the official considers that probably the developments in one of the conflicts will affect the whole tone and “we should assist their positive interaction as far as possible.”