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Azeri politicians comment on Erdogan-Peres clash-SURVEY

31 January 2009 12:37 (UTC +04:00)

Baku. Ramil Mammadli-APA. Politicians divide on whether Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan was right or not when he left the World Economic Forum in Davos after dramatically walking off the stage following a furious exchange with Israeli President Shimon Peres over Israel’s recent actions in Gaza.
Political scientist Vafa Guluzade, a Former Azerbaijani Presidential Advisor, told APA that the clash in Davos will not harm relations between Turkey and Israel. â€œErdogan just availed himself of the opportunity to demonstrate his anger to Israel over the Palestine problem. Such incidents have happened many times. On the other hand, Davos forums are not considered as a serious event in the political rings. Or rather, Davos is a nonofficial event for politicians and everything will calm down after a while,â€ he added.
Political scientist Rasim Musabayev said the both leaders should feel sorry for what happened there. â€œTurkey and Israel have had a difference of opinion on the Palestine problem and Israel’s recent actions in Gaza. Turkey officially condemned Israel several times. But, not only Turkey, most other European countries also criticized Israel. However, Erdoganâ€™s harsh and nervous reaction to this was unexpected. Those who view this as a political victory are far away from what the politics is,â€ he added.
Political scientist Zerdusht Elizade said the incident is likely to affect the relations between the two countries. â€œLetâ€™s not forget that these two countries have enjoyed strategic cooperation and economic and political interests for years. In general, by its recent actions, Israel also moved against Europe and aroused the public opinion against itself. Like Erdogan, some venture upon openly speaking of Israelâ€™s actions, others donâ€™t dare. To my mind, Erdogan was right when he did this,â€ he added.
Political scientist Ilgar Mammadov said that Turkish leadership was right to warn Israel that such policy is not acceptable for the future. Other countries also advised Israel to refrain from such actions. According to him, the incident will not affect geopolitical situation in the region.
MP Siyavush Novruzov, Deputy Executive Secretary of the Yeni Azerbaijan ruling party, said such disputes between the leaders canâ€™t adversely affect relations between Jewish and Turkish people. In his opinion, those who are in charge of the debate are to blame. From this perspective, the clash will not affect the intergovernmental relations, he added.
MP Gudrat Hasanguliyev, Chairman of United Azerbaijan Popular Front Party, blamed the moderator of Armenian origin, for the dispute and Erdoganâ€™s walkout.
In his opinion, Erdoganâ€™s leaving the stage and Davos in protest to the moderatorâ€™s unfair behavior was not right.
â€œIf Erdogan has shown great patience, he would be able to have his say till the end. I do not think that the attitude shown by Turkey in such a moment will give positive results for the country,â€ he added.

Sulhaddin Akbar, Head of Musavat Party Council, described the incident as an undesirable fact.
â€œThere are reasons dependent on Israel. But this was not what could happen because of a misunderstanding. If you have noticed, during the incident Erdogan took some documents from his folder and made certain statements. Apparently, he had prepared for the meeting. Shimon Peresâ€™ raising voice probably led Erdogan to make such a move,â€ he added.
Sulhaddin Akbar believes that Erdogan’s move is linked with the processes within Turkey.
â€œDo not miss the point that municipal elections are coming up in Turkey and, in addition, this country wants to play a leading role in the Islamic world,â€ he underlined.