"Turkey's EU Membeship' Possible Impacts on the Caucasus
View: Dr. Sedat LACINER
There are relatively three small countries (Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia) and three large countries (Russia, Turkey, and Iran) in the Caucasus. With the collapse of the USSR, Turkey does not have common boundaries with Russia anymore. Turkey has been one of the first countries to recognize the newly independent states.
Oil has a special role in the importance of the region. Especially the Azerbaijani oil makes the region very vital. In addition, in the transportation of Central Asian oil and natural gas, the Caucasus is an important route. In the post-Cold War era, it can be said that three approaches in the region have competed for ascendancy: the Iranian approach, Russia� unwillingness to retreat, and Turkey�s desire for integration with the West."
More:The Journal of Turkish Weekly
