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WHY IS TURKEY DEMINING BORDER WITH ARMENIA?
Naira Hayrumyan, Political Commentator
Comments - 10 December 2014, 23:30
Today the foreign ministers of Turkey, Azerbaijan and Georgia met in
Kars. The meeting is passing under new realities, namely development
of new pipelines, Russia's attempts to improve its relations with
Turkey and the EU plans to thwart the Russian-Turkish alliance.
Today the prime minister of the United Kingdom David Cameron visited
Turkey in an attempt to involve Turkey in more active fight against
the Islamic State. Yesterday Federica Mogherini, High Representative
of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, was in
Ankara too. The EU promised to do everything to accelerate Turkey's
membership to the Union. A few days ago Putin also visited Turkey.
Like 100 years ago, Turkey is at the same time the most likely
candidate for strategic "tearing to pieces" and the most desirable
tactical partner. 100 years ago the Ottoman Empire had lost half
of its territories but was able to keep the core of its territories
thanks to tactical diplomacy.
Currently Turkey is trying to protect its integrity and strengthen its
defense and therefore can be allies with anyone. Russia could be a good
match for Turkey in case Ankara feels too much pressure from the West.
One of the tools of pressure is the Armenian issue, and if Ankara
feels that Russia can eliminate this issue, it may make a compromise
with Russia. For example, Turkey is said to have recently announced
bidding for demining the borders with Iran, Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Why is Turkey demining the border with Armenia? Is there a preliminary
agreement on opening the Armenian-Turkish border after the membership
of Armenia to the Eurasian Union? In fact, after membership Turkey will
border with the Eurasian Union, not Armenia. The fate of this border
will be determined by the Eurasian Commission, especially if Ankara
agrees to create a free trade area with the Eurasian Economic Union.
Interestingly, according to the Turkish press, Turkey may leave the
EU Customs Union. This sounded like a warning to the West and Cameron
immediately left for Turkey.
Notably, speaking about improvement of relations with Russia, Turkish
experts note that trade is hindered by too high customs duties set
by Russia. It is not known whether Putin promised in Ankara to review
the duties but obviously the Armenian-Turkish border may soon become
an indicator of Turkey's strategic choice.
http://www.lragir.am/index/eng/0/comments/view/33311#sthash.HM3bByLM.dpuf
Naira Hayrumyan, Political Commentator
Comments - 10 December 2014, 23:30
Today the foreign ministers of Turkey, Azerbaijan and Georgia met in
Kars. The meeting is passing under new realities, namely development
of new pipelines, Russia's attempts to improve its relations with
Turkey and the EU plans to thwart the Russian-Turkish alliance.
Today the prime minister of the United Kingdom David Cameron visited
Turkey in an attempt to involve Turkey in more active fight against
the Islamic State. Yesterday Federica Mogherini, High Representative
of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, was in
Ankara too. The EU promised to do everything to accelerate Turkey's
membership to the Union. A few days ago Putin also visited Turkey.
Like 100 years ago, Turkey is at the same time the most likely
candidate for strategic "tearing to pieces" and the most desirable
tactical partner. 100 years ago the Ottoman Empire had lost half
of its territories but was able to keep the core of its territories
thanks to tactical diplomacy.
Currently Turkey is trying to protect its integrity and strengthen its
defense and therefore can be allies with anyone. Russia could be a good
match for Turkey in case Ankara feels too much pressure from the West.
One of the tools of pressure is the Armenian issue, and if Ankara
feels that Russia can eliminate this issue, it may make a compromise
with Russia. For example, Turkey is said to have recently announced
bidding for demining the borders with Iran, Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Why is Turkey demining the border with Armenia? Is there a preliminary
agreement on opening the Armenian-Turkish border after the membership
of Armenia to the Eurasian Union? In fact, after membership Turkey will
border with the Eurasian Union, not Armenia. The fate of this border
will be determined by the Eurasian Commission, especially if Ankara
agrees to create a free trade area with the Eurasian Economic Union.
Interestingly, according to the Turkish press, Turkey may leave the
EU Customs Union. This sounded like a warning to the West and Cameron
immediately left for Turkey.
Notably, speaking about improvement of relations with Russia, Turkish
experts note that trade is hindered by too high customs duties set
by Russia. It is not known whether Putin promised in Ankara to review
the duties but obviously the Armenian-Turkish border may soon become
an indicator of Turkey's strategic choice.
http://www.lragir.am/index/eng/0/comments/view/33311#sthash.HM3bByLM.dpuf