Armenian, Cyprus Speakers urge Turkey to improve relations with neighbours

Public Television of Armenia, Yerevan
19 Oct 04

Presenter Armenian Speaker Artur Bagdasaryan and the president of the
House of Representatives of Cyprus, Dhimitrios Khristofias, signed a
memorandum today.

Bagdasaryan At the meeting, we focused on developing political and
economic ties between Armenia and Cyprus.

Correspondent over video of Bagdasaryan and Khristofias The president
of the House of Representatives of Cyprus, Dhimitrios Khristofias,
feels at home in Armenia. He believes that the reason is not only
similarities between the countries’ historical past but also the fact
that only Armenians pronounce his country’s name like Cypriots.

Dhimitrios Khristofias, in Greek with Armenian voice-over As a member
of the European Union, Cyprus could be conducive to Armenia’s
integration into Europe.

Correspondent Armenia and Cyprus are in close cooperation at the
international level. Both countries share the same position towards
Turkey’s aspiration to become a member of the European Union.

Dhimitrios Khristofias Although Turkey is an occupying country, some
forces want to see it in the EU. Before admission to the EU, Turkey
should tackle several issues, i.e. recognize all EU member countries
and deal with human rights issues.

Bagdasaryan If this country wants to join the EU, it should first
improve relations with its neighbours.

Correspondent Dhimitrios Khristofias said that Turkey should recognize
the Armenian genocide if it aspires to EU membership, which could
facilitate Turkey’s admission to this organization.

He also aired these views at a meeting with the prime minister. He
spoke in favour of a peaceful resolution to the Karabakh problem. He
said that apart from Armenia, other regional countries’ interests
should also be taken into consideration in this issue.