Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 21
By Anahanum Khidayatova - Trend:
Russia has leverage over Turkey because Moscow may refuse to supply gas through its territory, former CIA and US state department analyst, publicist Paul Goble exclusively told Trend Sept. 21.
He went on to add that during the meeting of the Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan with Vladimir Putin, the Russian leader will try to use this argument.
The expert believes that Russia also has an influence in the southeastern provinces of Turkey, where most Kurds live, and can contribute to an increase in attacks on government agencies.
Regarding the fact whether the parties will come to an agreement on the settlement of the Syrian conflict, Goble said that Ankara and Moscow would not be able to agree. The views of Russia and Turkey concerning the settlement of the Syrian conflict radically diverge. While Turkey sees the Syrian government, in particular President Assad as the main cause of conflict, Russia actively supports him.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's visit to Russia will take place Sept. 23. During the visit, Erdogan will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The armed conflict has been continuing in Syria since March 2011, which claimed lives of over 200,000 people, according to the UN.
Edited by CN
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