Washington, Ankara not serious in Turkish-Armenian normalization issue

Wednesday, 10 March 2010 09:14

The Turkish and American diplomacy are not serious in the issue of normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations.

So this process is incomplete and may collapse.

This can lead to unpredictable consequences and destabilize the entire Caucasus. This opinion was expressed by the well-known analyst, professor at the Institute for Strategic Studies of the US Military College, Stephen Blank.

"American and Turkish policy on this matter should be reviewed as soon as possible", he said. The analyst recalled that the process of normalization of relations between Ankara and Yerevan envisioned Turkey’s rejection of the blockade of Armenia's efforts to achieve recognition of the events of 1915 genocide, the settlement of the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan on Karabakh and assistance to Turkish EU membership, he told Turan.

"None of this happened, moreover, the Armenian-Turkish reconciliation of 2008-2009 took place without any mention of Nagorno-Karabakh. This miscalculation or oversight occurred with the apparent support of the United States. There is no doubt that this mistake has caused immediate anger of Azerbaijan and leads to a revision of its pro-American policy”, said Blank.

The collapse of this process can be ruinous for the entire region. Ankara and Washington’s mistake have already led to the revision of Azerbaijan's relations with both countries. "Only Moscow may benefit from Baku’s further reorientation. Azerbaijan is extremely important for access to Central Asia, flights to Afghanistan, as well as for the Nabucco project. Its shift to Russia will have serious consequences for Europe and the United States”, said Blank.

The analyst also noted that Turkey would have no any privileges in the issue of price of oil and gas. Baku’s position will enhance Turkey's pressure on Armenia to force Armenia to make concessions in the Karabakh settlement.

The fact that Azerbaijan has openly demonstrated its dissatisfaction with the US policy is also negative. Thus, the first time Baku openly protested against US aid to Nagorno-Karabakh. In addition, Baku opposed the new US policy in Afghanistan, and will not send its servicemen there. Finally, Baku has signed gas and oil agreements with Russia and Iran and is preparing to sell hydrocarbons to China.