Azerbaijan, Baku, May 6 / Trend T.Jafarov /
Turkey's mediation could become more effective, rather than Qatar's in the diplomatic settlement of the tensions between Arab countries and Iran after the events in Bahrain.
Expert on law and political sciences Davoud Hermidas-Bavand believes Qatar is trying to pursue an independent policy and is a member of the Cooperation Council of Arab Gulf states. However, Turkey has a great reputation in the region, and from this point of view Turkey has a better chance to become a mediator in the elimination of tension between Iran and the Arab countries.
Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi paid a one-day visit to Oman on May 4, the IRNA news agency reported. Following this visit, Salehi left for Turkey. Earlier this week, on May 2, Salehi visited Qatar. Although the discussion of regional developments and bilateral relations were named as the visits' aim, experts say Salehi discusses with officials of Turkey and Qatar the mediation in resolving the tensions between Iran and Arab countries.
Several countries, including Saudi Arabia, have sent hundreds of troops to Bahrain following the demonstrations against the government here. Many Arab countries argue that Iran interferes in the events in Bahrain, which is predominantly populated with Shiite population. Iran also accuses Saudi Arabia of interfering in the internal affairs of Bahrain. This issue has caused tensions in diplomatic relations between Iran and Bahrain and Iran and Saudi Arabia.
"Turkey have repeatedly carried out mediation missions in connection with events in the region. Of course, Turkey's credibility is higher than Qatar's authority and from this point of view, Turkish mediation may be more effective rather than Qatari," Bavend told Trend over the telephone from Tehran.
Turkey has a great influence to mediate between Iran and Western countries, Turkish-Asian Center for Strategic Studies (TASAM) Director Ozev said. However, Qatar's mediation may be more effective in addressing the tensions between Iran and Arab countries.
"Turkey is most likely to succeed in mediating between Iran and Western countries. Qatar's role in resolving tensions between the Cooperation Council of Arab Gulf Countries and Iran may be more important than Turkey's role," Ozev told Trend.
Turkey was a mediator in talks between Iran and 5 +1 countries (the five permanent members of UN Security Council - Britain, China, Russia, USA, France + Germany) on Iran's nuclear program in 2010. Istanbul hosted the talks in late 2010. Furthermore, held trilateral talks on uranium exchange were held among Iran, Turkey and Brazil on May 17, 2010. The foreign ministers of these countries have signed the Tehran Declaration on the exchange of low-enriched uranium for higher-enriched uranium fuel for the Tehran research reactor. Based on the document, the exchange was to be held in Turkey.
Ozev said Turkey sees Qatar not as a rival, but as a partner in resolving the regional problems.
"Qatar bordered the member-countries of the Cooperation Council of Arab Gulf states and closely works with them in the economic and political spheres. Qatar and Turkey can help each other as partners in addressing the tension between Iran and Arab countries, " Ozev said.
Turkey can play a significant role in addressing the tensions between Iran and some Arab countries, Arab analyst Vael Mirza said in an interview with Trend. But, Turkey has more priority issues.
He said Turkey more concerned over the riots and revolution in the Arab countries, due to which Turkey will not take over mediation in addressing the tensions between Iran and the Cooperation Council of Arab Gulf states.