armenia

Foreign Policy Moods as of Thursday morning: Super with Armenia, getting better with Azerbaijan and slightly better with Israel

by
Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu ...
Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu addresses the Parliament to inform lawmakers on Turkey-Armenia-Azerbaijan relations in Ankara, Turkey, Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2009. Turkey’s government faced stiff opposition in parliament on Wednesday over its landmark agreement to improve ties with Armenia by establishing diplomatic relations and opening their sealed border. Davutoglu also explained that Turkey, which shares ethnic and cultural bonds with Azerbaijan, wants a peaceful settlement to the dispute over Nagorno-Karabakh. an Armenian-occupied enclave in Azerbaijan that has been a center of regional tensions.(AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici)

Judge Goldstone advises Israel to come to grips with the substance of the report

“In Gaza, I was surprised and shocked by the destruction and misery there. I had not expected it. I did not anticipate that the IDF would have targeted civilians and civilian objects. I did not anticipate seeing the vast destruction of the economic infrastructure of Gaza including its agricultural lands, industrial factories, water supply and sanitation works. These are not military targets. I have not heard or read any government justification for this destruction.

Read more

Israel helps Ayrılık to increase its ratings?

by

The photo below has to be included here. From the Turkey-Armenia game. As far as I understood it was an operation by Young Civilians.

In the crisis between Israel and Turkey it should be noted Israel reacted too much to a serial that was not popular at all. I haven’t heard anybody discussing Ayrılık episodes. And as far as I know the serial was not in the top 100 ratings list. Now I hear producers are happy that people will be curious and watch the serial. There had to be a stronger reaction to Valley of the Wolves movie who had a substantive anti-semitic emphasis in some parts. Ayrılık hadonce made it to popular discourse through what Zeynep Tokuş , an actress and former beauty pageant winner was wearing:

Zeynep Tokuş in veil for Ayrılık serial.
Zeynep Tokuş in veil for Ayrılık serial.

A roundup follows:

Read more

Report aftermath

by

Turkey-Armenia game ended with Turkey’s win.  After the historic deal, the game did not attract the same attention as far as I could observe. Turks are sad because they are eliminated in the World Cup qualifiers. From the Armenian side, Onnik Krikornian has been doing a great job. Even the EU’s progress report was not particularly good for sensational headlines, calm and expected critiques included in the report, many stated.

Turkey's Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan pauses during a meeting ...

Turkey’s Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan pauses during a meeting in Ankara October 14, 2009. An agreement signed by Turkey and Armenia on Saturday, which would reopen the border and restore ties poisoned by a century of hostility, could help stabilise the south Caucasus with its vulnerable energy corridor and ease Armenia’s geographical isolation. Both parliaments must approve it. But it is resisted by nationalists in both countries as well as Turkish ally and oil and gas producer Azerbaijan.REUTERS/Umit Bektas

Read more

French Shit, Business as usual with Israel and Smoothly progressing relations with Armenia. A roundup on Turkish foreign policy

by

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…

Read more

Who cares Sarkozy who doesn't want Turkey as long as Turkey builds up new friendships in the region…

by

Hail to the Turkey-Armenia deal to be signed today.

After a drama, the deal is about to be signed right now…Yes, it is signed. Signatories are so tense, as if anything could happen…

Armenia-Turkey deal delayed over disagreements

A planned peace agreement between Turkey and Armenia to end a century of enmity hit a last minute snag over disagreements with statements to be read at the historic ceremony

A roundup as usual:

Read more