MILLIYET- Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s two-day visit to Iran starting today is meant to lend new impetus to Turkish-Iranian relations. This visit coincides with a time when the US has stepped up its pressure on Iran and discussions are taking place on how the West should treat Tehran. Erdogan’s visit can also be considered a new indication of Turkish diplomacy opening up to neighboring countries, particularly Syria and Iran, as a result of the new conditions stemming from the war in Iraq. Turkish officials say that this opening shouldn’t be regarded as an attempt to establish a ‘triple alliance.’ As a source close to Erdogan said, this shouldn’t be considered a ‘formation of blocs’ in the region. Turkey wants to develop bilateral cooperation with its two neighbors. When the situation in Iraq necessitates it, Ankara might hold common consultations with Tehran and Damascus. However, talk of an alliance isn’t appropriate. Incidents in Iraq have a great impact on Turkey’s rapprochement with Iran and Syria. Today the three countries are in similar situations in terms of their role in Iraq’s future and the Kurdish issue. Tehran and Damascus, just like Ankara, want Iraq’s territorial integrity maintained and an end to the occupation and don’t favor the establishment of a Kurdish state. In addition, Iran and Syria share Turkey’s concerns over the activities of the PKK/KONGRA-GEL terrorist group and support Turkey on this issue. Even if on a bilateral basis, these three countries are continuing their Iraq policies in sync, which is important internationally. This is a factor which might make Washington think twice. In addition, this common stance might have a deterring influence.
Turkey’s rapprochement with Iran and Syria might seem to be opposed to the US’ policies towards these two countries. Actually Washington’s opinions and concerns on this issue are different from those of Ankara. Iran has been on the top of the US’ agenda. The report on the Sept. 11 attacks accused Iran of indirectly helping al-Qaeda. Tehran opposes these claims but the world is concerned if the Bush administration is preparing to attack Iran. However, people generally think that the US will prefer diplomacy to military force this time. The US doesn’t want such countries as France and Germany to get closer to Iran. Probably certain circles in Washington don’t favor Turkey’s opening either. However, as one official in Ankara said, ‘Turkish diplomacy can contribute to Iran’s integration with the world and soften its foreign relations. For this reason, Erdogan’s visit to Tehran might be beneficial on the international stage’.