WASHINGTON, D.C. (AA) - The International Security & Energy Program Director of the Nixon Center Zeyno Baran has stated that the United States intends to change the status quo in Turkey's region. ''Hence, Turkey would have to pursue a more active policy,'' affirmed Baran.
Participating in a panel discussion, sponsored by the American-Turkish Council (ATC) and Atlantic Council in Washington, D.C., Baran referred to U.S. President's inaugural address, where he mentioned the importance of the spread of democracy globally, and remarked that in such a scenario Turkey must make clear where it stands. ''Turkey's stance will have an impact on the strategic partnership between Turkey and the U.S..'' she said.
Baran pointed out that understanding the reasons behind the Iraq War is crucial. ''The United States believes that the status quo in the region created a fertile ground for the September 11 attack. The US's intention is clear and they want to change the structure of the region (Middle East),'' remarked Baran. -TURKEY & RUSSIA DON'T WANT ANY CHANGE-
Baran added that the recent close relations between Turkey and Russia indicate that the cooperation between the two countries stand to preserve the status quo in the region. ''Both Turkey and Russia are worried about changes in the region. They want to preserve the status quo,'' expressed Baran.
According to Baran, being a NATO member, Turkey's relations with Russia are a matter of concern for security experts. Baran said that the Turkish deputies' qualification of events in Iraq as ''genocide'' will result in a ''tough'' resolution on the so-called Armenian genocide in the U.S. congress.
Meanwhile, the American-Turkish Council (ATC) Defense & Security Relations Committee Chairman Preston Hughes indicated that the U.S. strongly supports Turkey's bid to join the EU. ''It is important for Turkey to understand that it will come under pressure by the EU. We must not abandon our beliefs that relations between Turkey and the USA are in the interest of both countries,'' told Hughes.
Hughes elaborated that time to time disappointments may occur on both sides. ''For example, the Turks have been disappointed with the lack of U.S. assistance to wipe away the terrorist organization PKK in northern Iraq. Similarly, the U.S. was disappointed with Turkey's decision not to help Americans open a northern front in Iraq. Despite such disappointments, the two countries must not forget that they share common values on democracy. We must not burn the bridges that so closely bring us together,'' stressed Hughes.
(ES-ULG)
2005-01-28