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ESCALATING CONFLICT BETWEEN TURKEY AND ISRAEL AFFECTS INTERESTS OF ARMENIA AND AZERBAIJAN
By Naira Hayrumyan
ArmeniaNow
14.09.11 | 12:19
The Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth has published an article which
says that the Foreign Minister of the Jewish state has ordered to
develop measures to counter Turkey in the international arena and
developing closer relations with Armenia, primarily through the
recognition of the Ottoman-era Genocide of Armenians, is being
considered as one of such measures.
During his upcoming visit to the United States Israel's Foreign
Minister Avigdor Lieberman is going to meet with representatives of
the Armenian lobby and offer them Israel's assistance in promoting
the Armenian Genocide recognition issue in the international arena.
In this regard, the world's expert circles have been talking about the
likely deterioration of relations between Israel and Azerbaijan, which
obviously would not like a rapprochement between Tel Aviv and Yerevan.
Though, Azerbaijani officials and even experts prefer not to talk
about it, apparently believing that the statement of Lieberman is a
publicity stunt and the matter will not go as far as practical steps.
Close military-political and economic contacts have been established
between Israel and Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan is perhaps the only Muslim
country with which the Jewish state has a cloudless relationship.
Israel is the only country that sells unmanned aircraft to Azerbaijan,
which has an unresolved conflict with Armenia. In addition, Israel
receives most of its oil via the Baku-Ceyhan pipeline that stretches
from Azerbaijan through Turkey.
Israel's ambassador in Baku has already stated that his country would
not spoil relations with Azerbaijan. There is no Israeli embassy
in Yerevan, and the Israeli ambassador to Georgia also acts as the
country's ambassador to Armenia (with his residence in Tbilisi).
Armenian officials do not speak on this matter either as they realize
that any sudden movements in the Caucasus region are fraught with
changes in the fragile status quo. Besides, excessively close relations
between Armenia and Israel would clearly not be liked by Iran, which
is a major gateway for Armenia to the rest of the world.
Armenian Diaspora organizations have not been particularly enthused
either, as they do not think that the recognition of the Armenian
Genocide should become a subject of a momentary conjuncture.
Meanwhile, the world press pages have been quick to pick the
provocative statement of the head of research programs on Russia,
Eurasia and energy security of the American Heritage Foundation
research center Ariel Cohen.
In his opinion, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has
granted Armenia a historical chance to establish close relations with
Israel. The expert stated this to the web portal IzRus.
He added that even without any pressure of the Jewish lobby the
position of Turks in the matter of the United States recognition of
the 1915 Armenian Genocide is becoming weaker. "The recognition of
the genocide by Congress is a matter of time. And when that happens,
it will open up an opportunity for Armenians' lodging claims for
compensation with the Turkish authorities," said the former State
Department advisor.
"Israel does not want to sever relations with Azerbaijan. It is not
in its interest. Therefore, only showing tolerance and understanding,
Yerevan can achieve reconciliation and establishing good relations,"
concluded Cohen.
Meanwhile, Armenian political analyst Igor Muradyan thikns that Cohen
fuels ethnic discord and inadequately assesses the situation in the
Greater Middle East.
Relations between Turkey and Israel deteriorated after Tel Aviv refused
to apologize to Ankara over the deaths of Turkish citizens on board
the so-called Freedom Flotilla heading to Gaza that was stormed by
Israeli security forces. Following this declaration, Turkey announced
the expulsion of three Israeli diplomats from Ankara. Turkey also
declared a freeze on all military and economic ties with Israel.
And Erdogan vowed that the Turkish authorities would apply additional
sanctions against Israel in the near future. Later it became known
that Turkey would not allow the development of energy resources in
the Mediterranean by Israel unilaterally.
Erdogan said that Turkish warships would defend Turkish vessels
from attacks in international waters. "This statement angered Israel
because it wants to maintain its control over international waters
in the Middle East." At the same time, Erdogan stressed that "the
Turkish navy is ready for any scenario, even the worst one."
By Naira Hayrumyan
ArmeniaNow
14.09.11 | 12:19
The Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth has published an article which
says that the Foreign Minister of the Jewish state has ordered to
develop measures to counter Turkey in the international arena and
developing closer relations with Armenia, primarily through the
recognition of the Ottoman-era Genocide of Armenians, is being
considered as one of such measures.
During his upcoming visit to the United States Israel's Foreign
Minister Avigdor Lieberman is going to meet with representatives of
the Armenian lobby and offer them Israel's assistance in promoting
the Armenian Genocide recognition issue in the international arena.
In this regard, the world's expert circles have been talking about the
likely deterioration of relations between Israel and Azerbaijan, which
obviously would not like a rapprochement between Tel Aviv and Yerevan.
Though, Azerbaijani officials and even experts prefer not to talk
about it, apparently believing that the statement of Lieberman is a
publicity stunt and the matter will not go as far as practical steps.
Close military-political and economic contacts have been established
between Israel and Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan is perhaps the only Muslim
country with which the Jewish state has a cloudless relationship.
Israel is the only country that sells unmanned aircraft to Azerbaijan,
which has an unresolved conflict with Armenia. In addition, Israel
receives most of its oil via the Baku-Ceyhan pipeline that stretches
from Azerbaijan through Turkey.
Israel's ambassador in Baku has already stated that his country would
not spoil relations with Azerbaijan. There is no Israeli embassy
in Yerevan, and the Israeli ambassador to Georgia also acts as the
country's ambassador to Armenia (with his residence in Tbilisi).
Armenian officials do not speak on this matter either as they realize
that any sudden movements in the Caucasus region are fraught with
changes in the fragile status quo. Besides, excessively close relations
between Armenia and Israel would clearly not be liked by Iran, which
is a major gateway for Armenia to the rest of the world.
Armenian Diaspora organizations have not been particularly enthused
either, as they do not think that the recognition of the Armenian
Genocide should become a subject of a momentary conjuncture.
Meanwhile, the world press pages have been quick to pick the
provocative statement of the head of research programs on Russia,
Eurasia and energy security of the American Heritage Foundation
research center Ariel Cohen.
In his opinion, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has
granted Armenia a historical chance to establish close relations with
Israel. The expert stated this to the web portal IzRus.
He added that even without any pressure of the Jewish lobby the
position of Turks in the matter of the United States recognition of
the 1915 Armenian Genocide is becoming weaker. "The recognition of
the genocide by Congress is a matter of time. And when that happens,
it will open up an opportunity for Armenians' lodging claims for
compensation with the Turkish authorities," said the former State
Department advisor.
"Israel does not want to sever relations with Azerbaijan. It is not
in its interest. Therefore, only showing tolerance and understanding,
Yerevan can achieve reconciliation and establishing good relations,"
concluded Cohen.
Meanwhile, Armenian political analyst Igor Muradyan thikns that Cohen
fuels ethnic discord and inadequately assesses the situation in the
Greater Middle East.
Relations between Turkey and Israel deteriorated after Tel Aviv refused
to apologize to Ankara over the deaths of Turkish citizens on board
the so-called Freedom Flotilla heading to Gaza that was stormed by
Israeli security forces. Following this declaration, Turkey announced
the expulsion of three Israeli diplomats from Ankara. Turkey also
declared a freeze on all military and economic ties with Israel.
And Erdogan vowed that the Turkish authorities would apply additional
sanctions against Israel in the near future. Later it became known
that Turkey would not allow the development of energy resources in
the Mediterranean by Israel unilaterally.
Erdogan said that Turkish warships would defend Turkish vessels
from attacks in international waters. "This statement angered Israel
because it wants to maintain its control over international waters
in the Middle East." At the same time, Erdogan stressed that "the
Turkish navy is ready for any scenario, even the worst one."