28/09/2010 13:29
Shakaryan: Erdogan can become Turkey’s next President
The referendum on constitutional amendments held on September 12 in Turkey was a step forward for that country towards the European Union, the amendments liberalized Turkey’s policy, Turkologist Artak Shakaryan told a news conference.
“The primary goal of the constitutional amendments in Turkey was not membership to the European Union. Turkish officials claim Turkey no longer prioritizes membership to EU. Turkey just wants to be close to the East, West and North,” Shakaryan stated.
According to the expert, “closed border with Armenia, recognition of the Armenian Genocide or normalization of Turkey’s relations with Iran are secondary; the European Union has many other reasons for rejecting Turkey’s membership.”
The Turkologist believes that the constitutional amendments were rather aimed at preparation of Erdogan’s becoming first elected President of Turkey.