ANKARA USES KURDS AND WAR THREATS FOR STRENGTHENING POSITIONS IN REGION
PanARMENIAN.Net
01.11.2007 14:47 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ "The situation in the region is extremely tensed and
complicated by three factors: the Turkey-Iraq collision, Iran’s nuclear
program and strengthening of Turkey’s role in the region. Armenia
can’t be indifferent about it," Ruben Safrastyan, Director of the
Institute of the Oriental Studies, told a news conference in Yerevan.
"There are Armenian communities in all Middle East states and the RA
Foreign Ministry should closely watch the developments. It Turkey
launches a major cross-border operation in northern Iraq it will
inevitably lead to greater tensions. The PKK is menacing Ankara. In
July 2007, the ruling AKP used Kurds for gaining a victory. As result,
1/3 of Turkish MPs are ethnic Kurds. If the situation deteriorates
AKP will lose a part of mandates," he said.
"War can deliver a heavy blow on the economy of southwest Turkey. The
commodity turnover between Turkey and northern Iraq makes $2,5 –
3 billion with 200 thousand people engaged in business. Moreover,
war would strain social problems in Turkey," he said.
"With strong anti-Kurdish propaganda, Ankara uses Kurds and war
threats to strengthen positions in the region."