It looks like France has given asylum to Cem Uzan, Cem Uzan granted political asylum in France, says lawyer) not exactly asylum but a temporary permit to live in France. Mr. Uzan is probably the most corrupt person of recent decades in Turkey and his later right wing-populist party produced enough damage to Turkish politics and not France gives him a helping hand. Congratulations.
In connection to Davos-Gaza instance, Turkey seems to extend her objection to Israeli moves by excluding the latter from the regular military exercises that take place in Turkey. These exercises have been long subject to criticism in Islamic press and radical press and I assume government could not continue to involve Israel/ could not resist the critical public opinion especially after Erdogan’s Davos’ reaction. A huge roundup on Armenia-Turkey relations follow up. I have to admit: I am ashamed that I do not know much about what was particularly signed between Turkey and Armeania. I suspect many do not know. Its symbolic value overrides what is actually there…
Fears for Turkey-Israel ties resurface
Turkey plays down tensions with Israel (CNN)
Turkey confirms it barred Israel from military exercise because of Gaza war
In recent months, since Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan stormed off the stage in Davos in January 2009, Israeli officials have quietly emphasized that they do not consider Turkey a suitable mediator in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict despite Erodogan’s offer to play that role. Nonetheless, Israeli officials see their alliance with Turkey as a crucial component in their strategic posture, and they have been loathe to jeopardize the alliance by criticizing Erdogan or Turkey.
The Associated Press: Analysis: Turkey gets tough on Israel
Israel Matzav: An open letter to Turkish friends
“Israel Matzav: An open letter to Turkish friends
An open letter to Turkish friends
The Begin – Sadat Center’s Efraim Inbar sends an open letter to his Turkish friends out of concern for the direction that the Turkish government is taking.
Travel Diary: Armenia and Turkey Sign Protocols
Interactive Travel Map | Text the Secretary
Yesterday, Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian and Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu signed protocols to establish diplomatic ties and to reopen the border between their two countries. Secretary Clinton said:
Can Armenian Diaspora Persuade Turkey to Recognise Armenian Allegations?
Armenian Diaspora has been carrying ?genocide? campaigns against Turkey for decades. They argue that these campaigns? main aim is to persuade Turkey to recognise the Armenian allegations. As a matter of fact that the Armenian Diaspora by following such a way is trying to take revenge from Turkey more than imposing anything on it.
AJC Congratulates Armenia, Turkey on Historic Accord to End Hostility | Reuters
Young Armenian footballers? perceptions of Turkey – Hurriyet Daily News and Economic Review
Khaleej Times Online – Turkish Armenian Delight
Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu (2nd R) shakes hands with Armenian Foreign Minister Eduard Nalbandian (L) as French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner (C) and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (R) stand behind them in Zurich. Turkey and Armenia’s foreign ministers signed pacts to establish ties in a first step to reconciliation after nearly a century of bitterness over their history.(AFP/Fabrice Coffrini)
TURKEY-ARMENIA: BRIDGING HISTORICAL DIVIDE
Senior Researcher, The Finnish Institute of International Affairs
The signing of the Turkish-Armenian protocols on the establishment of diplomatic relations and further development of bilateral relations is an important milestone in the tortuous process of the slow-moving rapprochement between Ankara and Yerevan. Clearly, the signing ceremony, with all its nail-biting suspense, marks the beginning of the story rather than its end. To better understand its significance and possible implications, the current feeble thaw between the erstwhile foes should be analyzed through answering the two key questions:
Morning Brief: Obstacles remain for Turkey-Armenia thaw
Top story: Despite Saturday’s historic signing of an accord to normalize relations between Turkey and Armenia, signs emerged over the weekend that the nearly century-old hostility between the two countries remains far from resolved.
Researcher Bora: Game with Armenia conducive to nationalist agitation
Tanıl Bora, a long-time researcher of nationalism in Turkey, has said nationalist tendencies are quite strong in soccer stadiums in Turkey — and Bursa Atatürk Stadium is no exception.Turkey and Armenia: The Rocky Road Ahead
I have a briefing up on the World Politics Review website looking at the protocols recently signed by Turkey and Armenia to restore diplomatic relations and some of the hurdles these protocols might face in being implemented. From the briefing:Yesterday’s signing of protocols by Turkey and Armenia that pave the way for restoring relations between the two countries was, without a doubt, a historic moment. But it’s still too early to break out the champagne.
Armenia and Turkey: forgetting genocide , Juan Gabriel Tokatlian
It is difficult to explain under what circumstances a group of individuals decides to forget the greatest tragedy experienced by the community of which it forms part. This does not usually happen. For this reason, the decision of the Armenian government to disregard the genocide that the Armenian people suffered at the hands of the Ottoman Turks in 1915-23 is a shocking phenomenon worth of special analysis. What then accounts for the approach of the current government in Yerevan?
A tough start for peace
Turkey and Armenia agreed on Saturday to establish diplomatic relations after a last-minute spat over planned comments delayed the signing ceremony for three hours and almost thwarted the deal. It has mostly been met with appreciation in Turkey, where the move was termed a ?historic? step.
Turkish-Armenian traumas
Against the radical nationalists in Turkey and Armenia
?Not the same anymore?
Slowly, against all odds, things move ahead. The signing of protocols on Saturday, aimed at normalizing the relations between Turkey and Armenia, indicate an entirely new climate, full of promises — and risks.
Armenian initiative?s effect on politics
Turkey-Armenia accords aim to dispel hostility
Turkey-Armenian pact undermined by Karabakh dispute
Turkey-Armenia protocols put Armenian identity in question by EMRE USLU
Turkey and Armenia have finally signed protocols that outline the timing and the process for the two countries to establish diplomatic relations and open their border.Changing pace, changing style
Armenia-Turkey: a failed recipe, Vicken Cheterian
A process that began with “football diplomacy” between Armenia and Turkey has developed into the real thing, as the countries’ foreign ministers signed two protocols on their future relationship at a ceremony in Switzerland on 10 October 2009. The presence of senior international dignitaries at the event – among them United States secretary of state Hillary Clinton, Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov, French foreign minister Bernard Kouchner, European Union foreign-policy chief Javier Solana – reflects the geopolitical importance of the deal.
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