GENOCIDE ALLEGATIONS AND A NEW TURKEY

Turish Press
March 8 2010

STAR- Tonight everybody in Ankara is casting their eyes across the
Atlantic. The issue is well-known. A resolution alleging that the
1915 events amounted to ‘genocide’ is facing a vote in the US House
of Representatives Foreign Relations Committee. As this column goes
to bed, we’re still awaiting the vote.

Turkey is carefully watching where the issue is going, while making
clear that if the resolution passes, all options, including recalling
the ambassador to US for consultations, are on the table. [Note:
After the vote, Turkey did recall its ambassador.]

But the vote’s result won’t be the last word or the end of the world.

Besides, things for Turkey are quite different than in the past.

Turkey’s position in its region and the world has moved forward.

Despite difficulties taking some steps, Turkey wants to be a mover
for a solution, not part of the problem.

There have been some problems with the protocols signed last year
between Turkey and Armenia. Taking into account both countries’
domestic balances, it’s not an easy step for either, especially
on such a complicated issue. Ankara’s stance on the Karabakh issue
is also at stake, as it should be. Contrary to what some believe,
this stance is a part of its policy of not obstructing a solution
but making it a lasting one.

But none of these problems can change the fact that last year Turkey
and Armenia started to talk. This is what we should focus on. What
Ankara needs to do now is step up efforts to get Russia involved.

Russia’s support will lessen Azerbaijan’s unease.

Let’s turn back to across the Atlantic. It’s well known that this
bothersome issue comes up every April. But Ankara has fallen flat in
countering the Armenian arguments and actors pushing the issue.

As a result, despite Turkey’s new role, no decision will be
definitive. Everybody should adapt to a Turkey thinking differently
from the big powers and even taking steps in spite of them.