Writing in The Wall Street Journal, Sarkisian, who is tipped to succeed current Armenian President Robert Kocharian in 2008, stated that Turkey's membership in the European Union would strengthen Armenia's national security and bring the South Caucasus nation "geopolitically closer to Europe." He stressed that Ankara's ongoing accession talks with the EU represent a new "long-awaited opportunity" to normalize Turkish-Armenian relations.

In line with his argument, Sarkisian urged the Union to exert efforts for normalization of relations between Turkey and Armenia, saying, "We look forward to the EU becoming increasingly involved in finding a way to a breakthrough for relations between Turkey and Armenia."

"In addition to building diplomatic ties between our two countries, we believe that in negotiating for membership -- and perhaps as a future EU member state -- Turkey will contribute to an economically stronger and more stable neighborhood," he said. "This is in the interest of both Turkey and Armenia.

"EU membership would also make Turkey much more predictable. It is always easier to deal with a predictable neighbor."

President Kocharian argued in October that the accession talks will put Turkey under growing Western pressure to normalize relations with Armenia and reconsider its stance towards Armenian genocide claims. "In that sense, we don't see any dangers in that process. Perhaps quite the opposite," he said.

Sarkisian made a similar point, saying, "Armenia does not regard Turkey's potential membership in the EU as a threat to national security. Quite the contrary, we hope it will mean that Turkey will change, and be in a better position to face both its history and future."

"The entry negotiations hold seeds of hope that the impasse between Turkey and Armenia can eventually be broken. If Turkey lifts the blockade of its border with Armenia, my small country becomes geopolitically closer to Europe," he added. The New Anatolian

/The Journal of Turkish Weekly/