BY ZEYNEP GURCANLI
STAR- Only a few years ago, third countries used to act as mediators between Turkey and its neighbors to resolve regional problems. For example, the United States used telephone diplomacy in order to end the Kardak crisis between Ankara and Athens, and Egypt did the same to help Ankara and Damascus solve the so-called PKK problem.
Now, however, having managed to overcome its own crises, Turkey itself is assuming such a role of mediation on the international stage. Ankara’s only remaining problematic neighbor is Armenia. Therefore, Turkey is gradually becoming a ‘mediator’ country in the region.
The first case is the Arab-Israeli dispute. Ankara doesn’t have any political problems with the Palestinians. Furthermore, despite the recent chill between the Erdogan and Sharon governments, our country doesn’t have any serious problems with Israel either. Ankara recently announced that it was ready to act as a ‘facilitator’ in the Middle East peace process. The Palestinians have immediately accepted Turkey’s offer, while the Sharon government hasn’t rejected it.
During Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s recent visit to Tbilisi, Turkey agreed to undertake another mediation role. The Georgian president asked Erdogan’s help in normalizing his country’s relations with Russia. Our premier pledged to discuss this issue with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is scheduled to visit Turkey next week.
In addition, a surprising request came from Sudan. Since 2003, Arab militias have been launching systematic attacks on non-Arab tribes in the country. Meanwhile, the international community is accusing the Sudanese administration of turning a blind eye to these attacks and even supporting these militias for the sake of ‘assimilating non-Arab elements.’ Washington branded the incidents a ‘genocide.’ On his visit to Ankara last month, Sudanese Foreign Minister Mustafa Osman Ismael requested that Ankara act as a mediator between his country and the US. This was also another unexpected request. Turkey then took actions to help them overcome the crisis.
I believe the number of such cases where Turkey acts as negotiator will rise in the months to come. Our country, once a party to many regional crises, is now becoming a ‘crisis-resolving country’.