Although the views of the two candidates in the US preidential elections are similar, there are critical differences on three important issues for Turkey. Bush’s policies on Iraq and the European Union (EU) and Kerry’s Armenian policy would be disadvantageous for Turkey.
EU: Both Bush and Kerry give full support to Turkey’s membership to EU. However, the support of the Kerry administration would be more beneficial for Turkey as Bush has lost the support of most European countries after the Iraqi war. Pressure from the Bush administration on the EU would likely result in a negative outcome.
Iraq: Bush supports ‘general autonomy’ for the Kurds within a federal structure in Iraq; also he does not actively push for the elimination of the terrorist organization PKK. Kerry’s policy is not known; however, it is noted that Kerry will not be as flexible as Bush about the autonomy issue since he aims to have large international support for Iraq. It is also indicated that the Kurds are concerned because of the situation.
The Alleged Armenian Genocide: Kerry’s much publicized statement that he would recognize the so-called Armenian genocide is confusing. It is expected that Kerry would not risk losing a key NATO ally like Turkey, over such claims.
10.31.2004
Foreign News Services
Yorumlar kapatıldı.