At a joint press conference, political scientist Levon Shirinyan and psychologist Albert Nalchatchyan urged the Armenian government to pay more attention to the Middle East when it comes to foreign policy issues. "We do little that is directed to the Middle East. If we were to take half of what we do in terms of the West and redirect it to the Middle East, our natural backyard, believe me, this would be a step in the right direction," Mr. Shirinyan said regarding the upcoming visit to Armenia of the Syrian president. He said that the Arab world is a friend of Armenia and that Syria's warming to Turkey is a result of its disagreements with Israel over the Golan Heights. Mr. Shirinyan added that if Syria were to play a mediating role between Armenia and Turkey, Yerevan would not suffer as a result. Mr. Nalchatchyan argued that when it comes to outside mediators seeking to improve relations between Armenia and Turkey, we must understand the principles that guide them. "Friendly mediation is in our favor Let the talks continue. Perhaps the governments of the two Armenian republics will use the intervening time wisely and, for example, resettle the liberated lands," the psychologist said.