Scowcroft: ”Turkey plays a unique role in the region”

Former US National Security Advisor Brent Scowcroft yesterday urged closer American ties with Turkey, saying it plays a unique role in the region. On the sidelines of the Black Sea Energy and Economic Forum in Istanbul, Scowcroft told reporters that Turkey is a key player in US regional politics in the Middle East. The US needs Turkey as its withdrawal from Iraq continues, he said. "We and Turkey need to work together to try to make Iraq an important stable element in a very difficult region," he added. On the current Turkish-Israeli friction, he said Turkey can play an important role in Israeli-Palestinian negotiations if it can resume normal relations with Tel Aviv. "Turkey plays a unique role in the region." Scowcroft added. Finally, on recent new sanctions on Iran, Scowcroft said, "I hope we can mend this difference of opinion and can work together to persuade Iran to have serious talks about the future."