the <small>© RIA Novosti, Alexey Danichev</small>
“Punish the Turks living in Russia”
16.03.2016
One Turkish businessman living in Moscow, spoke about the difficulties he faced in Russia after the plane crisis between Russia and Turkey. “Before the Turks was almost a privileged treatment, we could walk the streets without passports,” he says.
“It’s been 133 days since I cannot leave Russia. I miss my two-year son in Istanbul, my birthday today I’m celebrating away from the family, but nothing can be done…” And this is not an isolated case. Since then, Turkey has shot down a Russian military aircraft on 24 November last year, this is a common problem for many living in Russia the Turks.
The days when Turkish-Russian relations was dominated by spring, tourists could travel without a visa, and the Turks have enjoyed preferences in Russia, left behind.
Although Putin often repeats that the problem is not with the Turkish people and the political leadership of Turkey, and said that “the Turkish nation is our friend”, in everyday life, the crisis manifests itself differently.
Many Turks — even those who have permission to live and work, is afraid that if they will leave Russia, back to their country will not be allowed.
“Zero tolerance”
The reason for this alert — not in fear, but in dozens of specific examples.
There are those who even for a long new year’s holiday all ten days did not leave Russia and canceled an important trip because of fears that he won’t be able to go back.
“The decisive meeting, we began to spend on the Internet in a videoconference. Many of those who were not allowed entry into the country, did not even name the reason. Two of the administrative penalty, including penalty for violation of traffic rules, may be banned from entering the country for up to three years”, — complains CEO of a major Turkish company.
From November 24, Russia conducts a policy of “zero tolerance” against Turkish citizens.
Turkish companies and workers are subjected to the strictest controls.
The CEO of another company (he wanted to remain anonymous, noting that he will have problems if he will call my name) says: “during one of the inspections conducted after the beginning of the crisis, information about the state of health of one of our employee, which he received for the work permit a few months ago, called fake, and on this basis it was decided to deport him”.
Problems with departure from Russia does not arise.
But entering the country is the cause of anxiety and stress.
The lives of the majority of Turks in Russia has become a “mandatory stay”.
Moreover, acts against Turkish citizens in Moscow can vary widely depending on which of the three airports of the capital they enter.
For example, in Vnukovo airport, where arriving flights “Turkish airlines”, the problems occur less often.
But there are considered commonplace to force the Turks to wait several hours under the pretext of inspections.
In the other two airports — Sheremetyevo and Domodedovo — everything is different.
Strict control, from fingerprints to test calls to the firm, which employs Turkish citizen, accompanied by a tedious waiting periods.
03.12.2015
Those who have received a residence permit by marriage to a citizen of Russia, there is not so many problems.
In other cases, the majority of Turkish citizens when entering the country there are difficulties, whatever their position.
Even the owners and managers of large companies often enter the country with great difficulty, they have to go through hours-long interrogations.
“Punish the Turks living in Russia”
The head of the Union of Russian and Turkish businessmen Karaaslan Naki (Naki Karaaslan) said: “When our relationship was favourable, we went in Russia without passports, we had no problems. Now when entry or exit we shall have plenty of documents to prove that our position is legal”.
Another businessman who has lived in Russia for 22 years, said: “Russia says that its purpose — not the Turks, and the Turkish government. But everything comes with practice, makes a miserable life of the Turkish community. Putin faces the wrath of Erdogan. But the Turks suffer here. Support the Party of justice and development in the most recent elections among Turkish citizens in Russia did not exceed 25%. Punish those who over the years have helped the development of Russian-Turkish relations, was invested, he started a family in Russia”.
Actually, despite strong statements from the Russian government and active anti-Turkish broadcasting in the Federal media, polls show that a significant portion of the population does not want enmity with Turkey.
Nevertheless the majority are inclined to the opinion that mitigation will not be until there is no longer any of the parties to the political conflict between countries.
In comments published on one of the leading information-analytical sites of Russia Lenta.Ru that rises a question: is it possible in the short term to expect major improvement of relations between Moscow and Ankara?
In this context, refers to three possible development scenarios.
1. The parties reach reconciliation.
2. To restore good-neighborly relations with Russia, Turkey would sacrifice any politically significant figure, declaring it to be the culprit of the incident with the destruction of the aircraft.
3. None of the parties will not take steps to compromise, and reconciliation given the current tensions will lead a long way.
The commentary notes that while things are moving at a third scenario — a protracted and deep conflict between Russia and Turkey, which will fade away after retiring from the political scene of his protagonists.
And in this note no one regrets our dead pilot…on the Contrary they say about their problems that reason low?
