STAR- Columnist Semih Idiz writes on the triple summit between Turkey, Azerbaijan and Georgia which is currently being held in Trabzon. A summary of his column is as follows:
The issues which are being discussed at the ongoing triple summit between the Turkish, Azerbaijani and Georgian presidents in the Black Sea city of Trabzon are open to misunderstandings and misjudgments. The mutual lack of confidence between Moscow and Baku stemming from Russia’s considerable influence upon Armenia as well as the United States’ increasing effect on Azerbaijan is casting shadow on bilateral relations between Russia and Azerbaijan. Furthermore, Moscow’s and Yerevan’s concerns increased after Turkey and the US recently sent military consultants to Georgia. Everybody is also aware that the US, which is a close ally of Turkey, is currently seeking further military cooperation with both Azerbaijan and Georgia.
In brief, the triple summit in Trabzon has been unable to avoid giving the impression to the international community that its aim is to form a triple alliance backed by the US, while excluding some other related countries. Azerbaijan and Georgia might be in favor of giving such an impression since it provides them with the opportunity to convince the world that Turkey and the US support them.
However, we have to discuss what consequences such a label would might bring in terms of Turkey’s interests.
There is no doubt that Turkey’s relations with Georgia and Azerbaijan are of great importance. Ankara has to improve its relations with those countries.
However, we should not forget that our goals of normalizing relations with Armenia and Russia also carry equal importance. Every strategic plan Ankara makes without ensuring Russia’s support is likely to fail. Turkey also has to take into consideration the negative effects of the so-called genocide issue in Europe and the US.
Accordingly, I believe that the Trabzon summit should have included Armenia and Russia. Such an initiative bringing together all the related parties could have been a step forward on the path towards a more comprehensive ‘Caucasus Summit.’ I believe such a summit would affect Turkish-Armenian relations very positively. There are already signs that Turkey and Armenia are currently seeking opportunities to improve relations. Consider, for instance, May’s NATO meeting to be held in Reykjavik which will bring together the Turkish and Armenian foreign ministers.
However, the current Trabzon summit unfortunately seems to be an event which could increase tensions in the Caucasus and destroy the delicate balances between the involved countries, rather than helping to sustain peace and stability in the region.
SOURCE: OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER, DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF PRESS AND INFORMATION