What kind of a role could Turkey play in the conflict between Russia and Georgia?
Georgia’s independence is very important for Turkey because Turkey opens up to Central Asia through Georgia. Turkey also has important economic relations with Russia. There are millions of Russian tourists coming to Turkey each year. Turkey is a key buyer of Russian natural gas. Turkey cannot ignore these facts, either. So relations with these countries can be a double-edged sword. I think the realities oblige Turkey to maintain good relations with all concerned parties — Georgia, Russia, Abkhazians and Ossetians — simultaneously, no matter how difficult it may seem to act as such. What do you expect to happen in the region in the near future? As long as Georgia does not recognize the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, it will not have much stability. Turkey would prefer an independent Georgia with stability. The West may not leave Georgia completely alone. Georgia may not give in to Russia so easily. On the other hand, thinking of Abkhazia and South Ossetia returning to Geo
