Considering Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s political personality, as well as the upcoming presidential election in Turkey, he is most unlikely to sacrifice nationalists’ votes and open the border with Armenia expert in Turkic studies Ruben Melkonyan told Tert.am as he commented the report by the Taraf newspaper.

“In our age of infowars the mass media are used for addressing messages and, sometimes, for probing into the stance of the public and political circles. This statement raises certain questions as the report says that Erdogan has issued an instruction for the opening of the border. However, the opening of the border is supposed to be preceded by certain procedures – the ratification of protocols and establishment of diplomatic relations,” Melkonyan said.

This should mainly be considered in the context of infowars and, sometimes, disinformation. The ground for this opinion is the Turkish PM’s political personality, especially the possibility of the upcoming presidential election dealing a blow to his political rating, as his rivals will make use of it to win over nationalistic and anti-Armenian voters.

Melkonyan does not rule out Erdogan’s rivals using it to “entrap” him.

Expert in Turkish studies Hakob Chakryan believes that the Taraf report is misinformation. Even if such an initiative were undertaken, Turks will derail it.

Turkish press also notes that Turkey will open the border under the US pressure. But the border opened under pressure can easily be closed again or resistance can be shown, with new problems for Armenia.

As to whether it may be a step on the threshold of the centennial of the Armenian Genocide in Ottoman Turkey, Chakryan said:

“Since 1991, Turkey’s policy toward Armenia has not seen any progress. They keep on speaking of opening the borders, but they start bargaining over it and the issue is closed. I do not think Turkey has a sincere intention to open the border. Turkey is pursuing a clearly anti-Armenian policy now irrespective of whether it will open the border. They should begin with establishing interstate relations, and the border will mechanically be opened.”

In any case, the Turkish foreign office is directing the mass media, the expert said.

Head of the ARF-D Hay Dat office Giro Manoyan told Tert.am that the likely reason for the report by the Taraf newspaper was to discredit the Turkish premier. The newspaper has problems with the Turkish authorities and rumor has it may be shut down.

As to any links with the approaching centennial of the Armenian Genocide in Ottoman Turkey, Manoyan said, “Everything’s possible.”

source: tert.am