Kurds seem to be forgotten by Europe and the issue is low on the list of key ethnic problems, Alexander Rahr, Director of the Russian/Eurasia Program, German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP), told NEWS.am.

Recent intensification of Kurds’ activities in Turkey is not to the advantage of those constructing Nabucco and those planning to create energy corridors via Turkey and the South Caucasus, he noted. However, everyone realizes that outbreak of the hostilities by Kurds is of periodic nature. Thus, no one is concerned.

According to him, in case Turkey tries to solve the issue with “truncheons and arrests” it will considerably postpone country’s membership in the EU. “Europe views Turkey as an important strategic ally and wants to see democracy in the country to bring it closer to the EU,” the expert said, adding that no one will back use of force. Presently, 3 leading EU states – Germany, France and UK oppose certain development of relations with Turkey.

On one hand, Turkey has not decided on its stance yet, there are authoritative, pro-European and pro-Islamic forces in the country and everything is vague. On the other hand, conservative authorities ruling a number of leading European states stand for Christian values and will not permit Turkey’s joining the EU, Rahr emphasized. Turkey’s door to the EU is yet closed, but the situation may change tomorrow.

According to the expert, collapse of Iraq will be the worst scenario for Turkey. Unless official Baghdad normalizes situation in the country and assumes power, Iraq may split. Then, 3 autonomies may be formed – Kurdish, Sunni and Shiite, the latter controlled by Iran. It is Turkey’s nightmare, he explained.