ERDOGAN HAS SOMETHING TO DISCUSS WITH U.S LEADERSHIP: POLITICAL EXPERT
Today
157.html
Nov 3 2009
Azerbaijan
Day.Az interview with renowned Azerbaijani political expert Rasim
Agayev.
Day.Az: What do you expect from Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip
Erdogan’s upcoming visit to the United States?
Rasim Agayev: I am confident that Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan
has something to discuss with the United States leadership. In fact,
Turkey did what the United States and Europe demanded by giving
rise to improvement of Turkish-Armenian relations, which will have
far-reaching processes for the entire South Caucasus region and for
a large geopolitical area, called Greater Middle East in the U.S..
Therefore, it is expected that all issues related to this process
will be addressed during Turkish prime minister’s visit to the
United States.
Q: Given Erdogan recent visit to Iran, can you say that issues related
to Iran will prevail during the U.S. visit?
A: Of course. Turkey has undertaken task of mediator in talks between
Iran and the West. I am convinced that if Turkey’s peacekeeping
mission is not provided with forward movement, I do not exclude the
possibility that at some point Israel might resort to force or Iran
may stiffen its stance. Such developments should be prevented.
Q: Due to what Turkey, that undertook mediator task, plans to achieve
forward movement and prevent undesirable developments in relations
between Iran and the West?
A: I think, on one hand Turkey is a country which transit energy
resources from Central Asia and the Caspian region to Europe. Besides,
recently it was reported that Turkey buys Iranian energy resources.
Therefore, energy factor could become a model for dealing with Iran’s
withdrawal from isolation that saves face for both Iran and the U.S.
and Europe.
Q: Given importance of the Iranian problem, will resolution of the
Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict be discussed during
Erdogan’s visit to the U.S.?
A: I am convinced that a solution to the Armenian-Azerbaijani
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict will be discussed during Turkish prime
minister’s visit to the United States. Because, without explaining
Turkey’s position on this issue is impossible to develop country’s
position on future Turkish-Armenian relations. Of course, Iranian
issue will be main topic of discussions during the visit. I also
believe that the visit will help to improve Turkish-Israeli relations.