For the 2011 general elections in Turkey 17 political parties are participating. In this article we will try in a Q&A form to look into the foreign policy declarations of the main political parties, namely Justice and Development Party (AKP), Republican People's Party (CHP) and National Action Party (MHP) by referring to the points of convergance and divergence in their approaches.

What are the similarities and divergences in the general aspects of promised Turkish foreign policy?

All political parties agree on the multi directional character of the Turkish foreign policy. They also agree on the principles of peacefulness and fairness in approaching foreign policy issues and for the protection of the security and interests of Turkey. Having been in power in the course of the past 9 years, AKP has felt it appropriate to underline its achievements in the domain of foreign policy, one of the basic principles of which was zero problems with neighbors and taking part actively in crisis management and mediation in many parts of the world on the basis of a ''win - win'' principle. Against this the CHP has chosen an analytic approach for explaining its foreign policy objectives on the basis of ten principles which it intends to put into practice, among which the famous Atatürk dictum ''Peace at Home, Peace in the World'' and respect for international law are stressed highly. MHP stresses the necessity of developing a multidirectional and realist national strategy with emphasis on inalianable factors like national culture, integrity of the country and unitary nature of the Turkish State.

What are the approaches about regional issues and Turkey's policies?

Parties agree in viewing Turkey as a regional and central power. AKP underlines continuity of its interrelations with regional countries by establishing partnerships and forming High Level Joint Strategic Cooperation Councils. (Such Councils have already been established with Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Russia and Greece.) AKP again stresses the important contributions it has made to peace, security and welfare in the Middle East. "AKP has overturned many historic tabus and has led to new friendships and brotherhood in the region." AKP underlines that Turkey does not have a hidden agenda.While continuing this approach, AKP aims to remove artificial boundaries and barriers between Turkey and other countries in the Middle Eastern geography. In this respect Turkey will continue with the reciprocal removal of visa requirements and establishment of High Level Strategic Cooperation Councils and full economic integration between Turkey and the countries of the region.

In this context, CHP refers to Turkey's relations with the countries in the Middle East and emphasizes that the main problem is the Palestinian question and promises to make every effort for the solution of this problem and supports two state solution. With respect to current situation in the Middle East, CHP confirms it is against all outside interventions in the area and supports all democratic reforms while establishing durable friendships with all Middle Eastern and Islamic countries.

MHP lays an emphasis on the priority of what it calls the "Turkish Wold". It states that one of the fundamental aims of its foreign policy will be to widen and deepen the economic, social, political and cultural relations with Turkish Republics in Cyprus, Caucasus and Central Asia. MHP also considers that the opportunities presented by its central location in the Eurasian geopolitics should be evaluated for ensuring peace and stability and putting them into execution with its "strategic vision". MHP underlines extensively what should be done for enlarging and deepening Turkey's relations with these states and with ethnic relatives living out of Turkey.

Turkey is waiting for the past 46 years to join the European Union even though it is a member of all other European organizations. What are the political parties thinking about the current Turkey - EU relations?

AKP sees Turkey's membership in the EU as a strategic objective. Despite baseless and unjust objections of some EU members for its memebership, AKP will continue to take the necessary steps towards full memebership.AKP believes that a Europe which rejects Turkey will be a Europe that has fallen behind the 21 st century and to find excuses with political issues such as Cyprus to delay negotiations would serve as a double standard on the part of some members. AKP continues to give the reasons why Turkey should become a member state and should reject such proposals as privilaged partnership. With respect to Turkish citizens living in European countries, it refers to the Department of Expatriate Turks and relative communities and stress the aim of meeting their problems. It points out that the AKP rejects the assimilation of citizens living in Europe but encourgaes integration.

CHP envisages EU membership as a social transformation project. Therefore, it is determined to break the deadlock in the relations and would develop projects for the future of EU. CHP would put an end to anxieties stemming from Turkey falling behind in the implementation of the Copenhagen criteria. CHP is definitely against linking Turkish membership to the Cyprus poblem.

MHP believes that the character, the basis and the framework of the Turkey-EU relations should be clarified and should be given a new definition."Our Party"it says "does not consider the relations with the EU as a question of 'identity and destiny'." It defends a view that Turkey is not obliged, condemned or in need of dragging along EU's orbit at any cost. It claims that the policies of the EU related with Turkey's national unity and integrity, terror and separatism, as well as for such issues as Cyprus, Greece and Armenia should in no way impact membership negotiations. "The respect that countries within the EU show for our national sensitivities will be the basic criteria that will define our relations with those countries."

In their election platforms all three parties refer to the Cyprus problem under seperate headings and only the CHP has a clear reference to relations with Greece.

On the question of Cyprus, AKP defines its main strategic objective as protection of the interests of the Turkish Cypriot people and the creation of a zone of stability in the Eastern Mediterranean. AKP further envisages to increase international recognation and respect for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and will continue its efforts to have TRNC as an internationally recognized fullfledged state.

CHP is of the view that the intercommunal talks should aim at a just solution and should be conducted on an equal footing between the Turkish Cypriots and the Greek Cypriots preserving the rights of the people of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.Turkey's presence and its right as a guarantor emanates from its treaty rights. The isolation of the Turkish Cypriots should come to an end and full respect should be accorded to the TRNC. Turkey should support Turkish Cypriot representation in the world and in case a just peace could not be achieved in a reasonable timeframe all efforts should be made for the recognition of TRNC. On the subject of Greece, CHP believes that the relations between Turkey and Greece should be developed by way of a constructive dialogue; the Aegean Sea would be an area uniting the two peoples and for this purpose there should be exchange programs between the people living in the Islands and the shores of the Aegean Sea. The Greek minority in Turkey are equal citizens of the Republic and their rights will be safeguarded.Turks living in Western Thrace would benefit from the sitipulations of the Lausanne Treaty and other international treaties.

MHP states that Cyprus is the most important national cause for Turkey. Turkey has inalianable, undebatable legal rights and obligations over Cyprus stemming from founding treaties of Cyprus. Within the framework of the resolution of the Cyprus problem, it will not be accepted under any condition the diluting or undesirable impact on Turkey's influential and practical guarantees. "Our Party considers that the only realistically applicable and durable solution should be based on the structure of partnership with bi-zonalty, bi-nationality in a two state solution.

What will be the policies towards Iraq?

While AKP has no specific declaration on Iraq putting it within the framework of neighbors with which High Level Strategic Cooperation Councils have been established, CHP considers that Iraq's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity is vitally important for the region.

CHP also considers that the political order provided for by the Iraqi Constitution should be respected. Turkey would carry on and further develop relations with the Iraqi Government and local administrations as long as they are bound by the precepts of the Constitution and in every field where the common interests of Turkey and Iraq are concerned.

MHP has a more direct approach, stating that their policy towards Iraq is based on the territorial integrity of Iraq, protection of the Turcoman community in Iraq and no security threat should emmanate from the Iraqi territories towards Turkey. Furthermore, it states that in the face of existing threat and terror attacks emanating from Iraqi territories, Turkey will use all its rights under the international law and will take every measure to protect our national security for the liquidation of terror elements based in Iraq.

What are the views of the three parties on Turkey-US relations?

Since AKP has been in government during the past nine years, the Party platform states that the longstanding relations of "starategic partnership" between Turkey and the US have assumed a new dimension as defined by President Obama as "model partnership". The Turkish - US relations based on mutual interest, respect and trust have gone beyond mutual friendship and is assesed as an opportunity to resolve regional and global problems. AKP will continue to develop the constructive and extensive relations between the two countries and continue to strengthen them within a frame focused on obtaining results. One of the targets of the new period will be to strengthen the economic ties and volume of trade with the US. It further states that Turkey will continue to work with the US in a perspective of partnership on such subjects as energy, security, fight against terror, climate change and science and technology.

CHP promises a new approach based on equality and mutual respect to overcome the difficulties encountered in the relations in the last decade.CHP also would like to have a new and balanced partnership, not confined to strategic and military relations but open to economic and cultural fields. CHP also promises to put into practice confidence building measures at the community level by increasing contacts between the businessmen, students, local administrators and the like to curb the anti-American sentiments.

On the other hand MHP has a brief reference to Turkey-US relations and says that relations with US shall be conducted on the basis of mutual interest, equality and reciprocity in the fields of economy, politics and security.

What about the parties views on another major power, the Russian Federation?

AKP refers to relations with Russian Federation under the chapter devoted to Russia and the Caucasus. CHP platform has a seperate chapter, while MHP refers to Russia as part of a wider region.AKP attaches special importance to the development of political and trade relations with Russia. Particularly cooperation in the field of energy, activities of Turkish contractors and the lifting of visa requirements have created a new ground for cooperation also in areas such as the Caucasus and Central Asia.

CHP promises to support relations in the economic and cultural fields. It also considers that it would be important for the two countries, members of the Organization of Black Sea Economic Cooperation to balance their trade and ultimately to contribute to regional peace. Relations in the energy field would be balanced by diversifying Turkey's resources. Everything will be done to facilitate tourism for the peoples in both countries.CHP also promises to further develop friendship and cooperation between the two countries to by way of programmes on joint educational and technological programmes.

MHP states that it will follow multifaceted policies aimed at peace, stability and regional cooperation as well as development of common economic projects with the countries of Black Sea and Caspian, chiefly with Russia and Iran, as well as Balkan and Middle East countries.

Similarly, for the region of the Balkans while AKP and CHP have separate paragraphs, MHP treats Caucasia, the Balkans and the Middle East as a triangle for the development of cooperation and stability and promises not to take part in any global project that might destabilize these regions and bring blood and tears.

AKP considers Balkans, where Turkey has strong historic and cultural ties, as one of the areas where our global perspectives can be implemented. "The establishment of peace and stability and the prevention of religious and political tensions in the Balkans is part of the priorities of our global policy.Without establishing peace and stability in the Balkans and the Middle East it is not possible to talk about global peace and order. For this reason to contribute to the stability, social cohesion in the Balkans, this region has been the first priority of the AKP Governments and these policies will be pursued in the future to further strengthen our relations."AKP platform also outlines Turkey's interest and efforts for rehabilitation of Bosnia after the war and promises to continue efforts in the fields of economy, culture and education. "With Croatia and Serbia, our recent efective policy has yielded result . Mutual visits, volume of trade and fields of cooperation have grown. Efforts to secure the recognition of the independence of Kosovo have yielded positive results and we will continue to provide every support to this country in its process to become a state. Similarly our relations with Macedonia and Albania have gained significant momentum and created the possibility of developing new areas of cooperation. In the second decade of this century our contacts with these countries will further develop.We will continue to develop and strengthen also in the future our relations with people of Turkish origin and akin people living in the Balkans. We will contribute to make peace, cohesion and stability in the Balkans both by activating public means and if necessary encouraging both private sector and NGOs.

CHP considers that it is important to safeguard the political framework emerging after the breakdown of Yugoslavia. It will try to further develop relations with the Balkan countries with a view to preserving mutual interest and regional stability.

Policies for the Turks and relative communities living abroad

In many parts of the worl particularly around our region there are many people of Turkish origin and people related to Turks because present day Turkey is a microcosm of the multinational Ottoman Empire. A Department under the Prime Ministry has been established to attend the issues concerning with Turks abroad and Related Communities. In its programme AKP states that through this Department they intend to find solutions to their problems starting from those in Europe. AKP also states that during the period they have been in power they have provided the Turcomen of Northern Iraq, Krimean Tatars, Turks of Ahiska, Gagauz Turks, Afghan-Uzbek Turks, Turks in Georgia, Azerbaijan ana Karakalpakia, Kazakhs of Mongolia, Turks in Kosovo and Macedonia, Turks of Western Thrace and Bulgaria with assitance for their development and preservation of their historical and cultural heritages.

CHP says it is determined to protect the people of Turkish origin in the Balkans and other regions of the world as citizens having equal rights and benefitting from human rights and freedoms and security in the countries where they live.

MHP promises to ensure that Turkish citizens abroad will enjoy all freedoms and benefits in the countries where they live without being subject of discrimination.

Realtions with the countries of South Caucasus

AKP considers peace and stability in the Caucasus a strategic priority for Turkey. Developing of relations with the countries in this region and continuation of their normalization process is the basic objective. In this vein the Caucaus Cooperation Platform was proposed to enhance a mode of relationships based on mutual trust and coperation. Importance of special relationship with Azerbaijan will be maintained. An early and just resolution of the Nagorno-Karabagh problem has a special priority. AKP envisages to continue to do its utmost to end the occupation of the Azeri tarritories and to find a soltion to the Nagorno-Karabagh problem through negotiations. Normalization process of Turkey's relations with Armenia could not be achieved the desired result because of the negative attitude of Armenia.The Turkish positions on a solution for Nagorno-Karabagh and on the so called genocide are very clear. AKP will not permit imposition of solutions not based on justice and equity. Another important country in the Caucasus is Georgia with which we maintain close relations within the regional framework.

CHP promises to contribute actively for peace, stability and development of the region. Brotherly ties with Azerbaijan will be further strengthened. With respect to South Caucasus, CHP would further strengthen relations with Azerbaijan and look for good neighborly relations with Armenia by instituting a dialogue to bring to a solution to problems between Turkey and Armenia. Also contacts between NGO's, business people and students would be encouraged and insists that Armenia should give up its insistance of using "genocide" as a condition for improving its relations with Turkey and also evacuate the occupied Azerbaijani territories. CHP would take all measures so that the Armenian citizens of Turkey would not be affected as a result of the problems between Turkey and Armenia. CHP would support contacts between the NGOs, businessmen and students with a view to start a process of detente between Turkey and Armenia and with the Armenian diaspora, similar to the one realized between Turkey and Greece. Armenia should evacuate the occupied Azeri territories, should relinquish initiatives it carries through Armenian organizations in the world against Turkey on the so called genocide allegations in contradiction with international law and should end all kinds of attitudes giving the impression that it has ambitions on Turkish territorial integrity.In case Armenia takes steps to prove that it has undergone a change of mentality, support will be given that this would not go unanswered. However, if Turkey is increminated by unjust prejudices, CHP would continue to counter these allegations with every determined position.

MHP refers to relations with the countries in the Caucasus within the context of the relations with the Turkic World.

Relations with Central Asia

AKP will continue to develop relations with countries in Central Asia and akin people and will try to create new areas of cooperation.To ensure economic development while preserving political stability of the Turkic Republics as one of its strategic priorities. Within this framework Turkey will continue to reciprocally lift visa obligations with these Republics to increase political dialogue, promote commerce and support civil society activities. AKP elaborates on the previous activities of Turkey in the field of culture. The establishment of Turkic World Council is an important step and expreses Turkey's links with the wide Turkic geography. Establishment of High Level Strategic Cooperation Councils which was established with Kirgizistan will also be considered with the other Central Asian Republics.

CHP promises to develop political, economic and cultural relations with the Central Asian countries.

MHP states that it is their objective to develop relations with Turkic countries on the basis of sovereign equality, common interests and mutual benefits in every field and to give them a strategic depth. MHP also promises to set up an Energy Cıouncil for Turkic Republics alongside a science and technologhy data base for Turkic Republics. MHP expresses its desire to establish a Ministry in charge of coordination of cooperation policies within Turkic World and Eurasia.

Southeast Asia, emerging countries and Africa, Eastern Mediterranean and Latin America

The Party programmes have given different emphasis to different parts of Asia. The AKP programme states thatTurkey which has signed a Friendship and Cooperation Agreement with ASEAN, hopes to become a Dialogue Partner and hopes to further its relations with the countries in the region in every possible field.Special empahsis is given to relations with China, Japan and India. Turkey is deeply concerned with the stability in Afghanistan and Pakistan and Turkey hopes to be a bridge between these two friendly and brotherly countries.Relations with Latin America and in particular with Brazil, Chile, Mexico and Venezuela will be enhanced and enlarged also in the political field.In Africa where Turkey has established new Embassies, where our historic bonds are an important asset, Turkey will deepen its relations also in the fields of politics, diplomacy, trade and culture. Turkey will work to increase the role of Turkish businessmen in the African markets as an important step in its opening to Africa.

CHP promises to develop political and economic relations with China, Japan, India and Southeast Asian countries. There will be a diversification of relations through the addition of joint ventures in R&D fields and student exchange programmes. CHP also intends to further relations with the African countries and contribute to their welfare and democratic development. To develop trade would be an important instrument. Also cooperation projects in economy, culture and tourism will be enhanced.CHP attaches special importance to peace and security in Eastern Mediterranean and would counter any unilateral initiatives that would upset the prevailing order in the region.

MHP states that it attaches special importance to development of economic relations and to the creation of an atmosphere of dynamic economic cooperation with the countries of Africa, Far East and Southeast Asia.