YEREVAN, APRIL 2, NOYAN TAPAN. The Armenian-Turkish relations do not depend either on Armenia or on Turkey: they are conditioned by a more global diplomatic game. Turkologist Artak Shakarian expressed such an opinion at the April 2 press conference adding that at present the Armenian-Turkish relations are moving towards warming, as it is beneficial for both the U.S. and Russia. In A. Shakarian's opinion, U.S. President Barack Obama in his April 24 speech will not pronounce the word "genocide," but instead will achieve some mitigations in the Armenian-Turkish relations. The Turkologist considers improbable complete opening of the Armenian-Turkish border in the future. According to A. Shakarian, in its relations with Armenia Turkey always takes steps "that can be easily liquidated, but instead demands concessions from Armenia, which are difficult to renounce." "Judging by the whole history of Turkish diplomacy, the latter will not take the first step until it is sure of its victory in the issue of April 24," A. Shakarian said. Speaking about the local self-government elections held lately in Turkey, he said that they predetermine the results of the 2011 parliamentary elections. According to A. Shakarian, those elections showed that the Justice and Development party led by Erdogan has serious problems, which is mainly connected with the economic crisis. According to him, the Turks showed that "they blame Erdogan and his party for carrying out bad policy" in conditions of the crisis.

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