Turkey Risks to Lose Last Friends in Europe

PanARMENIAN.Net - Süddeutsche Zeitung published comments on the statements by commander of Turkish land forces Ilker Bashbug on freezing military relations with France. "The statement of the Turkish General is scandalous since he, being a commander, conducts as if representing the interests of his country at diplomatic level. The Turkish government officially shows interest in integration into the European structures. However orientation on Europe supposes that Turkish politicians should control the army and keep their generals from doing what they wish. General Bashbug has reputation of a 'hawk'. Adherents to a tough position among the Turkish generals disliked Erdogan's restraint in condemning the French bill. Official Ankara doesn't deny the crimes against the Armenian people but refuses to resign itself to the term 'genocide'," the newspaper says.



"On one hand the Turkish authorities fear that the heirs of the victims will claim compensations. On the other hand the matter concerns the reputation of the Turkish army which is considered to be one of the traditional pillars of the society. Turkish military wish to maintain their privileges, fashionable villas on the Bosporus shores, defense budget and the troops in Cyprus. By the way, they possess valuable realty in Cyprus and in case of withdrawal of the military bases they will have to leave the realty for the Cypriot Greeks. The occupation of the Northern Cyprus, the Armenian issue, the war in Turkish Kurdistan… A number of urgent issues emerge and the Turkish generals have to work at them, however the generals refuse. If Turkey prefers free-will isolation it will lose not only serious economic partners but also the last friends in Europe," the newspaper says, reports Deutsche Welle.