Experts mull Washington's policy in Caucasus

A Global Security Forum 2012 which gathered Washington`s top experts to tackle today`s most pressing security challenges has been held here.

The experts debated on the role of the US in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Middle East, oil and gas markets, economic security of Europe, cyber threats and other issues.

“Turkey-Iran-Russia: Dynamics Old and New” panel was one of the interesting sessions of the Forum. Zbigniew Brzezinski and Brent Scowcroft, former National Security Advisors, discussed the relevant topic.

Taking into consideration of sensibility of the processes in Caucasus, Brzezinski called the US government to pursue more cautious policy in this region. He stated that any increasing tension in the region can give a push to the next confrontation between Russia and Georgia.

Brzezinski described Azerbaijan as an important energy source for European allies. According to him, if conflicts intensify in Caspian basin, Baku–Tbilisi–Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline would be under threat.

General Scowcroft spoke of Turkey`s increasing role in global issues. He called to trust Turkey`s opinion while adopting decisions on Syria and Middle East. Scowcroft said Turkey tries to pay attention to all directions.

Both advisors criticized some members of the EU as they oppose Turkey`s EU membership. They stressed that Turkey plays unexampled role in ensuring both Europe`s, and Middle East`s security. They called on the US foreign policy circles to be careful in making statements. Scowcroft pointed out that there would not be peace if Bashar al-Assad leaves the country. He found the need for the US to pursue more deliberate foreign policy


/AzerTAc/