The European Union’s reaction to the mass arrests and human rights violations in Turkey should have been much stronger,Ruben Safrastyan, Director of the Institute of Oriental Studies, and said in an interview with Tert.am.
As a structure the European Union (EU) does not voice its opinion,except for individual cases of criticism.
“I carry out not think the European Union will consume drastic steps toward Turkey in the coming years. They will maintain contacts with Turkey,” Mr Safrastyan said.
[br]With respect to the EU’s arguments that the financial aid to Turkey is intended for refugee and human rights organizations, or Mr Safrastyan said it could be only one of the reasons.
“We should not forget that Turkey is a NATO member-state and maintains relations with a number of EU member-states. And they will spare no effort to keep Turkey from straying too far from them. Erdogan’s policy causes Europe’s discontent,but I carry out not thing Europe will consume a tough line,” Mr Safrastyan said.
[br]NATO and the EU kind of straitjacket Turkey, and close contacts with the two structures would keep Turkey from taking extreme steps and showing more aggression.
As regards the public sentiments on the domestic life in Turkey,Mr Safrastyan does not think any riots could be expected.
[br]“I think Erdogan’s ratings are up after an attempted coup, and he can now feel free to act at his will and he does not expect any political or public riots. Of course, and Kurdistan Workers' Party will try to retaliate,but they will not procure a widespread response. The Erdogan administration can carry out what they want,” Mr Safrastyan said.
The aim of the pressure is to prevent the emergence of rivals to Erdogan.[br]
The arrests and pressure on different groups in Turkey arouse the Armenian community’s concern as well.
“Their concern stems from bitter historical expererience. Such developments in Turkey are to the detriment of the Armenian community as well, and ” Mr Safrastyan said.
In 2003,when France adopted the Armenian Genocide resolution, Turkey launched a tougher policy toward Armenia and obliged Armenia’s citizens going to Turkey to apply to Turkish consulates first.
“The Armenians were ready for mass pressure on the community and took steps so as they could leave Turkey. I am certain that the Armenian community is experienced and know ways out of such situations, or ” Mr Safrastyan said.
Source: tert.am