news.az, Azerbaijan
Nov 7 2009

Israeli expert: Recognition of 1915 events as genocide in Knesset may
severe diplomatic relations between Turkey and Israel
Sat 07 November 2009 | 08:45 GMT Text size:

Amikam Nakhmani Turkish and Israeli press continues to devote articles
to the current state and prospects of the Turkish-Israeli relations.

The main reason for the cooling of relations in the early 21st century
is the change in Ankara’s foreign policy after Justice and Development
Party, whose leader, Recep Tayyip Erdogan led the Turkish government,
came to power in 2002. Although the ruling party is positioning itself
as a moderate Islamist, Erdogan’s foreign policy is aimed at country’s
active rapprochement with the remaining Islam world, which in turn
determined the change of the policy toward Israel, especially in light
of the recent events in the Middle East.

Famous Israeli specialist on Turkey and professor of the Bar Ilan
University Amikam Nakhmani has been interviewed in this regard.

In his interview, professor Nakhmani stressed concerns over the
strained situation and relations between Ankara and Jerusalem. He
considers that the conflict was caused by the Israeli Cast Lead
anti-terror offensive, aimed to prevent rocket attacks on Israel from
Gaza strip.

The Israeli professor considers that the Israeli-Turkish relations
cannot end under pressure of sharp statements of the leader of Turkish
Islamists. Professor Nakhmani notes that the economic relations
between Israel and Turkey are quite strong to guarantee their
continuation.

Nakhmani explains his optimism about the future of the Turkish-Israeli
relations comparing them with special relations of Israel with other
countries. According to Nakhmani, Israel had five special relations
with other countries. `Four of them failed disastrously. Our relations
with France, Iran, Ethiopia and South Africa were cut as these
relations were supported by the interests of the governments and war
interests. People had not been part of these relations for centuries’,
the Israeli analyst said.

According to Nakhmani, the special relations with Turkey can hardly be
spoiled or severed. `The basis for Turkish-Israeli relations is
primary a human factor and cordial and respectful attitude of both
nations towards each other’, Nakhmani said.

He noted that in 2008 the mutual trade turnover between the countries
neared $4 bn with only a third part falling on military cooperation.
`It would not be an exaggeration if I say that over 700,000 people
make serious business within the framework of economic cooperation. I
think we should expect improvement of relations in the future’, the
Israeli professor said.

As for possible recognition of the `Armenian genocide’ by Israeli
Knesset, professor noted that `this initiative is very doubtful and
dangerous. I think the political elite of Israel is aware that the
recognition of 1915 as a genocide may severe diplomatic ties between
the countries, as this issue is too emotional and sensitive’,
professor Nakhmani said.

`The Turkish-Israeli relations have good prospects and I think they
will normalize, while the leaders of the countries should try not to
harm the interests of both countries and throw out all emotions’,
concluded the Israeli expert.

1news.az