Turkey's Analyst: Turkey Decides to Extend a Hand of Friendship to Armenia Under Russian Pressure

The Turkish opposition media outlet "Sözcu" featured an article by analyst Emin Cholashan discussing Armenian-Turkish normalization, referring to Armenia as a so-called friend and brother, as reported by Ermenihaber.am.

“Dear readers,” the Turkish analyst addresses his audience, “we are neighbors bordering a state called Armenia, but the two countries do not officially recognize each other.” He then recalls that during the Armenian-Azerbaijani war, Turkey, naturally, opposed Armenia, emphasizing that there are units of the Turkish army in Azerbaijan, and Turkish soldiers train and instruct the Azerbaijani army. Although Turkey did not send troops during the entire war, it provided extensive weapons, ammunition, and equipment to Azerbaijan.

Nonetheless, the author of the article points out that their leaders consistently apply a very vibrant principle on every topic and in every field. The logic of this principle is as follows: “First, intimidate and threaten, then take a step back.”

“In recent years, we have all witnessed such examples. For instance, Egypt was constantly threatened, but as soon as the U.S. acted, friendly messages began to be exchanged with Egypt... Or let’s say in the case of Armenia: yesterday they opened the air border, and already reciprocal flights started to be carried out,” he continues, providing more examples.

The Turkish analyst recalls the case of Israel as well. Initially, all levels in Turkey hurled insults and threats at Israel. But once the U.S. got involved in the process, the picture changed. Washington told Erdogan that he must reconcile with Israel. Now Turkey is on the brink of friendship with Israel. The media even reports that the President of Israel may visit Turkey, negotiations are ongoing in that direction.

“And if you suddenly hear the expression ‘Friend and brother Armenia’ from the very same figures very soon, don’t be surprised,” warns the Turkish analyst.

Implying dissatisfaction with this approach and the conduct of Turkey’s Foreign Ministry personnel, the author concludes: “Decisions are made to extend a hand of friendship to Armenia under Russian pressure and to Israel and Egypt under American pressure. What can we say, congratulations!”