THE TURKEY ROLE IN SOUTH CAUCASUS PEACE

Just recently the President of the Turkey –Abdullah Gul was in Armenia based on an invitation by his Armenia counterpart -Serzh Sargsyan. The reason for the invitation was because of a fifa scheduled world cup qualification between Armenia and Turkey. It is no secret that a friction exists in the relationship between Turkey and Armenia and the consequence is that both nations had cut contacts for more than 8o years. Therefore, a historical visit of this kind is worthy of good acclamation.

Turkey neighbors virtually all the South Caucasian nations: Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan. The events of the region somehow has involved Turkey; for instance –the problem between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the Nagorno-Karabakh territory. The Armenia views Turkey, a close ally to Azerbaijan because both share same historical origin, as an enemy. Also, Armenia and Georgia has got its own share of problems over territory divide and the Georgians incline more to the Turks for relationship due to the good relationship Armenia already enjoys with the mighty Russia Republic.

With the increase in status of Turkey nation, the Turkey is invariably assuming a reconciling role in the South Caucasus. Turkey role is very encouraging because Russia who should be in a better position to establish the South Caucasus peace is quite still nursing grudges over the failed Soviet Republics and feels threatened by the more than normal friendliness between the nations of the South Caucasus and the West.

Turkey is trying to join to the European Union, and it must be said that the Turks stand a very good chance to become a member. The practice of its democracy is quit recommendable, order than the noticeable corruption in Turkey nation, the societal fundamental principles is a good example for Islamic nations to emulate. However, the Turkey problem with the Armenia has remained a negating factor to their EU pathway. Armenia has been good in convincing the major EU player like France and UK to consider the Turkey/Armenia conflict as a one way aggression –Genocidal act over the minority Armenians.

The new Turkey role goes a long way in creating a South Caucasus peace and such movies should be exploited by those who have tried to establish peace in this part of the world. Armenia sees Turkey as a strategic partner that’s why it stretches a friendly gesture. Azerbaijan recognizes itself as a Turkish nation and therefore has a very cordial relationship with Turkey. This relationship is the reason for the high respect the Azerbaijan Republic has for its Turkey neighbor. It is only Turkey that has the ability to bring the Armenians, the Georgians, and the Azerbaijan in unity. The role of the OSCE, the Minsk groups, the EU, etc, though recommendable, we can only truly see how very vital Turkey is to the long presumed peace of the South Caucasus region.