Ankara uses Kurds and war threats for strengthening positions in region
"The situation in the region is extremely tensed and complicated by three factors: the Turkey-Iraq collision, Iran's nuclear program and strengthening of Turkey's role in the region. Armenia can't be indifferent about it," Ruben Safrastyan, Director of the Institute of the Oriental Studies, told a news conference in Yerevan.
"There are Armenian communities in all Middle East states and the RA Foreign Ministry should closely watch the developments. It Turkey launches a major cross-border operation in northern Iraq it will inevitably lead to greater tensions. The PKK is menacing Ankara. In July 2007, the ruling AKP used Kurds for gaining a victory. As result, 1/3 of Turkish MPs are ethnic Kurds. If the situation deteriorates AKP will lose a part of mandates," he said.
"War can deliver a heavy blow on the economy of southwest Turkey. The commodity turnover between Turkey and northern Iraq makes $2,5 - 3 billion with 200 thousand people engaged in business. Moreover, war would strain social problems in Turkey," he said. "With strong anti-Kurdish propaganda, Ankara uses Kurds and war threats to strengthen positions in the region."
"There are Armenian communities in all Middle East states and the RA Foreign Ministry should closely watch the developments. It Turkey launches a major cross-border operation in northern Iraq it will inevitably lead to greater tensions. The PKK is menacing Ankara. In July 2007, the ruling AKP used Kurds for gaining a victory. As result, 1/3 of Turkish MPs are ethnic Kurds. If the situation deteriorates AKP will lose a part of mandates," he said.
"War can deliver a heavy blow on the economy of southwest Turkey. The commodity turnover between Turkey and northern Iraq makes $2,5 - 3 billion with 200 thousand people engaged in business. Moreover, war would strain social problems in Turkey," he said. "With strong anti-Kurdish propaganda, Ankara uses Kurds and war threats to strengthen positions in the region."
