Carrot and the stick?

Headline 1: Armenia Faces Council Of Europe Sanctions

Headline 2: Four Oppositionists Cleared Of Coup Charges

Hmmm, could the carrot and stick approach be working? The US is also not releasing MCC funds until the Armenian government shapes up.

Meanwhile, the Turkish Prime Minister (Erdogan) missed a historic opportunity to keep his mouth shut. I am referring of course to the historic apology of some rather prominent intellectuals, who also called on other Turks to sign their apology for the Great Catastrophe of 1915. Expecting Erdogan to do the right thing and endorse it would perhaps be too much, but he could have at least kept his mouth shut and some natural steps that have to occur take place without this kind of ugly lie in response. This apology should improve ties with Armenia, not "threaten to damage improved relations" which the Turkish government has been poisoning for the last hundred years. It also shows that the Turkish government is not on the same page as the Turkish people, who likewise showed a lot of sympathy back and forth with Greeks when each country had their earthquakes.

"I don't accept the campaign that they have started and I don't support it," Erdogan told reporters. "It will not have any benefit other than stirring up trouble, disturbing our peace and undoing the steps which have been taken". He added that if “if there is a crime, then those who committed it can offer an apology. My nation, my country has no such issue.”

Erdogan said Wednesday the apology threatens to damage improved relations between the countries and it is not binding for Turkey. "I would not be a part of it," he said.