news.az, Azerbaijan
Dec 26 2009

Interests of Turkey and Russia mostly coincide in Karabakh issue
Sat 26 December 2009 | 09:06 GMT Text size:

"I do not rule out that the visa system between Russia and Turkey will
soon be abolished too.

In fact, the visa system is simplified between our two countries, but
there is nothing wrong in its complete cancellation", said Alexey
Vlasov, a political scientist and general director of the Center for
post-Soviet studies, speaking of the possibility to abolish the visa
regime between Turkey and Russia.

"The relations between the two countries in the recent years can be
characterized as truly strategic, our views are very similar. But
let’s not forget that Turkey is a NATO member and it has to coordinate
its actions with Washington and Brussels and it is difficult to
predict what will happen in the future. The issue of rapprochement
between Russia and Turkey discussed in Turkish press can be an element
of blackmail of the West. But one should not make predictions in
policy as it is a thankless task, and therefore nothing can be
predicted, while the further deepening of Russian-Turkish relations
will depend on the political configuration in the future", he said.

Asked whether Ankara and Moscow have the same positions on the
Karabakh issue, the political scientist said that in this respect the
interests of these countries are very similar.

"However, the Russian-Turkish initiative on the release of the
occupied territories of Azerbaijan has apparently begun slipping
because Yerevan started to diversify its foreign policy. Recently,
thanks to the efforts of the Armenian lobby Armenia began a more
independent policy without regard to Moscow. But at the same time in
this matter everything will depend on the position of Ankara whether
if it can link the process of ratification with the liberation of the
occupied territories of Azerbaijan. Politics in the region is becoming
increasingly complex, and therefore all parties have adopted a waiting
attitude", he said.

Referring to the invitation of President of breakaway Abkhazia Sergei
Bagapsh to Turkey, the political analyst said his country has a big
Abkhaz diaspora and it will do much help Abhazia.

"But at the same time I do not think that Turkey will recognize the
country. Participation of the Turkish business in this country is a
matter of time ", said A. Vlasov.

He also ruled out the possibility of recognition of Northern Cyprus by
Russia in exchange for Turkish recognition of Abkhazia.

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