The results of the Greek and Armenian elections and Turkey

The results of the parliamentary elections in Greece and Armenia were to indicate whether these countries would be able to get rid of the current internal political instability, frozen political processes and economic deadlock. Yet, we see that the current results are far from offering any solution to the ongoing political or economic problems. The results of the parliamentary elections imply that the public's trust in the existing system will decrease further. In both countries, political parties fail to instill hope in the public or produce realistic projects. As a result, elections fail to solve any problems. Therefore, these two countries should accept the fact that they need regional cooperation and solidarity in a globalizing world. Considering the geography in which Greece and Armenia are located, they can only obtain stability to the extent that they work with Turkey. This is what has happened in the past. Both countries should now realize that the policies that target Turkey are far from being functional. Athens and Yerevan gain nothing by confronting Ankara. Both countries should understand that the West is politically and geographically far from them (Armenia is also far from Russia) and the solution is to work with Turkey. The three countries need each other.

Athens and Ankara are working on a new arrangement that would minimize the risk of tension over the Aegean Sea. Ankara is taking the preliminary steps for a new political initiative via the South Caucasian railways. These are confidence-building steps. Yet, bold steps must be taken for the integration of different peoples. The Greek islands have to increase economic integration with Anatolia in order to get rid of the economic crisis. To this end, Turkey should provide power and water to these islands. Today, producing power from diesel oil is both expensive and pollutes the environment. Moreover, Turks should be allowed to visit the Greek islands first without a visa and then with only their ID cards. Cultural centers should be opened mutually in both countries. In addition, Turkey and Greece should take steps for economic integration under an umbrella organization of the Aegean Union.