Turkish Press
Dec 8 2004

Russia and the West
BYEGM: 12/8/2004
BY SAMI KOHEN

MILLIYET- Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Ankara this
week coincided with a problematic period in terms of our relations
with the West. Before and after the visit, Turkey’s warmth for Russia
stood in contrast with its coldness towards the US and certain EU
members. In fact, Putin’s visit highlighted the positive atmosphere
between Ankara and Moscow. For example, the Turkish media’s interest
and positive take on relations with Moscow surprised even Russian
observers. However, there’s been a negative shift in Turkey’s feelings
for old friends. Particularly its anti-US feelings are about to upset
relations. The key factor in this is criticisms of US policies in
northern Iraq and towards PKK terrorists. As a decision on our EU
membership talks looms, there’s also difficulties and discomfort in
our relations with Europe. Particularly certain EU members’ recent
stances and a draft statement for the summit caused disappointment.

Putin’s visit to Ankara in such an atmosphere, taken as the
beginning of a new era for Turkish-Russian relations, served to
relax Turkey. However, we shouldn’t consider this an alternative
to our relations and common interests with the West or an escape
from the West by leaning towards Moscow. If Russia is seen in terms
of multidimensional relations, relations are positive. Ankara and
Moscow still have common views on many issues, for example, Iraq
and the Middle East. However, they disagree on others, for example,
Cyprus, Armenia and Northern Karabakh. We have good cooperation in
some areas, particularly economics. However, there is disharmony over
Straits traffic and energy transportation. Putin said in Ankara that
if Turkey becomes an EU member, due to EU restrictions, it wouldn’t
be able to buy inexpensive energy from Russia, as it has done, and
that many Russian tourists would no longer be able to visit Turkey.
In fact, these negative predictions for the next 10-15 years were
surprising. Putin gave the impression that he didn’t favor Turkey’s
EU membership and that Ankara should prioritize its relations with
Moscow. I wonder if he was trying to send a message even as Turkey
is working to get a date for EU membership talks.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress