BY SAMI KOHEN
MILLIYET- Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Ankara this week coincided with a problematic period in terms of our relations with the West. Before and after the visit, Turkey’s warmth for Russia stood in contrast with its coldness towards the US and certain EU members. In fact, Putin’s visit highlighted the positive atmosphere between Ankara and Moscow. For example, the Turkish media’s interest and positive take on relations with Moscow surprised even Russian observers. However, there’s been a negative shift in Turkey’s feelings for old friends. Particularly its anti-US feelings are about to upset relations. The key factor in this is criticisms of US policies in northern Iraq and towards PKK terrorists. As a decision on our EU membership talks looms, there’s also difficulties and discomfort in our relations with Europe. Particularly certain EU members’ recent stances and a draft statement for the summit caused disappointment.
Putin’s visit to Ankara in such an atmosphere, taken as the beginning of a new era for Turkish-Russian relations, served to relax Turkey. However, we shouldn’t consider this an alternative to our relations and common interests with the West or an escape from the West by leaning towards Moscow. If Russia is seen in terms of multidimensional relations, relations are positive. Ankara and Moscow still have common views on many issues, for example, Iraq and the Middle East. However, they disagree on others, for example, Cyprus, Armenia and Northern Karabakh. We have good cooperation in some areas, particularly economics. However, there is disharmony over Straits traffic and energy transportation. Putin said in Ankara that if Turkey becomes an EU member, due to EU restrictions, it wouldn’t be able to buy inexpensive energy from Russia, as it has done, and that many Russian tourists would no longer be able to visit Turkey. In fact, these negative predictions for the next 10-15 years were surprising. Putin gave the impression that he didn’t favor Turkey’s EU membership and that Ankara should prioritize its relations with Moscow. I wonder if he was trying to send a message even as Turkey is working to get a date for EU membership talks.