Erdogan has something to discuss with U.S leadership: political expert

Day.Az: What do you expect from Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s upcoming visit to the United States?  

Rasim Agayev: I am confident that Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has something to discuss with the United States leadership. In fact, Turkey did what the United States and Europe demanded by giving rise to improvement of Turkish-Armenian relations, which will have far-reaching processes for the entire South Caucasus region and for a large geopolitical area, called Greater Middle East in the U.S.. Therefore, it is expected that all issues related to this process will be addressed during Turkish prime minister’s visit to the United States.

Q: Given Erdogan recent visit to Iran, can you say that issues related to Iran will prevail during the U.S. visit?

A: Of course. Turkey has undertaken task of mediator in talks between Iran and the West. I am convinced that if Turkey’s peacekeeping mission is not provided with  forward movement, I do not exclude the possibility that at some point Israel might resort to force or Iran may stiffen its stance. Such developments should be prevented.

Q: Due to what Turkey, that undertook mediator task, plans to achieve forward movement and prevent undesirable developments in relations between Iran and the West?

A: I think, on one hand Turkey is a country which transit energy resources from Central Asia and the Caspian region to Europe. Besides, recently it was reported that Turkey buys Iranian energy resources. Therefore, energy factor could become a model for dealing with Iran's withdrawal from isolation that saves face for both Iran and the U.S. and Europe.

Q: Given importance of the Iranian problem, will resolution of the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict be discussed during Erdogan’s visit to the U.S.?

A: I am convinced that a solution to the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict will be discussed during Turkish prime minister’s visit to the United States. Because, without explaining Turkey's position on this issue is impossible to develop country’s position on future Turkish-Armenian relations. Of course, Iranian issue will be main topic of discussions during the visit. I also believe that the visit will help to improve Turkish-Israeli relations.

Day.Az