CAUCASUS TENSIONS PREGNANT WITH STRENGTHENING ON U.S. POSITIONS IN BLACK SEA REGION

PanARMENIAN.Net
16.02.2009 15:41 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The mechanism of the Russian-Turkish political
consultations is far from being perfect, a Russian expert said.

"Although Ankara seems to alienate from the U.S. and Europe,
it still remains NATO key member in the region," Andrey Areshev,
expert at Strategic Culture Fund, said in a peace of opinion titled
"Russia-Turkey: preparation for breakthrough?"

Big politics affects bilateral relations, according to him.

"Just remember the maneuvers of NATO armada in the Black Sea in
August-September 2008. To alleviate tensions, which could inflict
huge losses on Russian and Turkish companies, Russian Foreign Minister
Sergei Lavrov paid an extra visit to Turkey," he said.

"The current situation in the Caucasus is unstable. While the new
U.S. administration is developing its foreign policy, Tbilisi is trying
to pose as a victim of aggression. The risk of new tensions still
persists. It can help the U.S. strengthen positions in the Black Sea
region, what is neither in Moscow or Ankara’s interest. In this case,
Turkey will have to choose between loyalty "to the elder brother"
and friendly relations with Russia," Areshev said.

He also emphasized that according to bilateral political agreement on
security in the Black Sea Region, parties "confirm the importance of
strengthening cooperation" within the framework of the Black Sea Naval
Co-operation Task Group (BLACKSEAFOR), Black Sea Harmony operation
and other mechanisms combating asymmetrical challenges.

"Russia and Turkey endorse regular contacts between Defense Ministers
and General Staff Chiefs of Black Sea countries," Areshev said.