Former top US official downplayed concerns over Turkey's stance on Iran's nuclear program

PanARMENIAN.Net - A former top US official has downplayed concerns over Turkey's stance on Iran's controversial nuclear program, expressing confidence in the NATO ally's ability to deal with the issue in its own way as a neighboring country.



"There are a lot of questions on Iran, and some are to do with whether Turkey can be a friend of the United States and Iran at the same time, and my answer is yes," Ambassador Richard Armitage said on Monday in Ankara at a joint press conference with the current chairperson of the American-Turkish Council (ATC), Brent Scowcroft.



Remarks on Iran by Armitage, a former deputy secretary of state, came in response to a question at the press conference ahead of their meetings in the Turkish capital. "You don't like all the friends that the United States has, and we may have some questions about some friends that Turkey has. That's normal business. I think Turkey knows exactly what she is doing with Iran," Armitage said, adding that he doesn't view the issue as a problem.



Scowcroft said Iran's possession of nuclear power would not help regional stability, adding: "It is in the interest of the region and the United States to have Iran a productive member of the region. We're not trying to destroy Iran; we are trying to integrate Iran as a productive member of the region. And this is another case we and your government have in common interest. Maybe different tactics, but common interest."



Armitage downplayed the tension in bilateral relations between Israel and Turkey, calling it "a temporary dislocation," and highlighting, instead, Turkey's regional role."It's a temporary dislocation in the relationship, it's distressing to us, but I think the fact that Turkey is playing a more notable role in the Middle East is a heartening thing for all of us. I think ultimately it will be good for the United States as well. I think it might have a calming effect on the Middle East in general. These dislocations are temporary, and we shouldn't be distracted too much by them", Today's Zaman reported.