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American experts: With the increase of tensions in the Caucasus region, Turkey becomes an important player on the arena

19 May 2011 09:43 (UTC +04:00)

The Northern Caucasus regionâ€™s importance in the area and in the world is increasing and it needs more attention from Washington, Glen Howard, President of the Jamestown Foundation, said at the conference, pointing out the security problems not only remain but enlarge here.

Experts said with the increase of tensions in the region, Turkey becomes an important player on the arena. Mitat Chelikpala, professor at Ankaraâ€™s Political University, said Cherkess have as huge Diaspora in Turkey and therefore gets a great support among North Caucasus people.

Chelikpala also said the separatist Abkhaziaâ€™s president Sergei bagapsh has recently visited Turkey, although Turkish government said it was a cultural visit only.

â€œBut nevertheless, Turkey let him come to the country, what is going to happen nowâ€, the expert wonders, adding that Turkey will have to balance between Russia and Georgia. According to him, what Turkey concentrates on is becoming a leader not only in the Caucasus, but one of the leaders in the whole Eurasia region.

Chelikpala mentions Turkeyâ€™s move towards abolishing visa regime with Russia and activation of Turkeyâ€™s bilateral trade with the Caucasus region.

Turkey definitely supports Azerbaijanâ€™s integrity and the fact that Nagorno-Karabakh belongs to Azerbaijan, Chelikpala said, describing the two countriesâ€™ relationship as steady and very close.

The professor said that Turkey is interested in stability, peace and development in the Caucasus region, and the countryâ€™s positions became stronger after the Russian-Georgian war. According to him, Turkey both wanted to strengthen its positions in this strategic region and benefit from its peaceful development and boosted trade.