Conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh

Following Azerbaijan's recent attack on the embattled region of Nagorno-Karabakh, the Society for Threatened Peoples (STP) calls on the German government to take action: "The recent escalation was caused by Turkey, from where thousands of Syrian-Islamist mercenaries were sent into the Armenian-controlled area," explained Dr. Kamal Sido, Middle East Consultant of the STP. "The Federal Government should not just sit back and watch as Erdogan gets involved in another conflict region in order to strengthen his power base at home!" In Nagorno-Karabakh, the Turkish president is continuing what he already practiced in Libya.

"It is a scandal that Germany and Europe are letting Erdogan get away with the aggression as long as he holds back the refugees. He knows that he is in a position of power – and he will continue to exploit this position as long as he can," Sido stated. "The numerous wars in which Turkey is now involved are intended to force more people to flee to Europe, so that Erdogan can maintain his blackmailing position. As long as he is allowed to do so, he is one of the greatest threats to stability in the region.

Young Syrians who have fled from their homeland to Turkey have few opportunities to feed their families. Therefore, many decide to fight for Turkish interests in Libya or Nagorno-Karabakh – as a means to make a living for their families. "Also, many of them are ideologically motivated, because they are attacking Armenian territory – which they see as a Christian occupied territory. This creates the absurd situation that Sunni Islamists are fighting for Shiite Azerbaijan," Sido added. "The money with which the desperate Syrians are lured into Erdogan's wars comes from Qatar. Therefore, this source of financing must be dried out as well – through diplomatic pressure.