YEREVAN. - Turkish society favors Azerbaijan, but the interests of both countries not always coincide, head of the Institute of Oriental Studies at the Armenian National Academy of Sciences Ruben Safrastyan said on Monday.

“The interests of both states often coincide but sometimes diverge, for example it refers to energy issues,” the expert stated.

Commenting on the statement by Turkish President Abdullah Gul that France should not be a mediator in Nagorno-Karabakh peace process, Safrastyan said that connection between the recognition of the Armenian Genocide and the Karabakh conflict is baseless.

“I do not understand the logic of combining these two issues. As regards, the role of a mediator,  Turkey has for many times claimed for participation in the OSCE Minsk Group’s work. However, these attempts will not succeed as Armenia will not agree. OSCE MG co-chairing states do not share the interest as well. Turkey has shown its sympathy for one of the conflicting sides over 20 years,” concluded the expert.