Turkey's Foreign Minister Ali Babacan said that Russia perceived Kosovo's independence, NATO membership goals of Georgia and Ukraine, and U.S.-Polish cooperation as a threat.

Appearing on "Charlie Rose Show" on the U.S. PBC TV channel, Babacan talked about Turkey's Caucasus Stability and Cooperation Platform initiative and said that problems between Russia and Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia, and Armenia and Turkey could be discussed through this platform.

On possible role of Turkey in Israeli-Syrian relations, Babacan said that Turkey was the only mediator in indirect talks between the two countries and continued shuttle diplomacy among Israeli and Syrian delegations.

Babacan said he had seen strong political will of the two countries, and enumerated the problems as border and territory, security and water.

Also talking about Iran's nuclear program controversy, Babacan said that what Turkey was doing was to eliminate misunderstandings or gaps stemming from cultural differences between the concerned parties, and therefore Turkey had talks with not only Iran, but also five permanent members of the United Nations (UN) Security Council and Germany.

Babacan underlined importance of complying with the rules of the International Atomic Energy Agency, but also said that five members of the UN Security Council and Germany should also respect Iran and be more understanding.

AA