Arinc: Turkey Must Be A Country That Resolves Disputes

Anadolu Agency, Turkey
Feb 9 2005

Anadolu Agency: 2/9/2005

ANKARA – Turkish Parliament Speaker Bulent Arinc has returned to
Ankara after an official visit to Azerbaijan. He was the guest of
Azerbaijani Parliament’s Speaker Murtuz Alasgarov.

In a press conference at Ankara’s Esenboga Airport, Arinc said that
he met and had discussions with the Azeri President Ilham Aliyev,
Prime Minister Artur Rasizade and many Azeri officials.

Arinc told reporters that his meeting with Azeri executives focused
on the development of bilateral relations. “We especially discussed
ways to make our relations better,” remarked Arinc.

Arinc indicated that Turkey is for the solution of the Upper Karabagh
problem, a region under Armenian occupation. “We want Armenian tyranny
which makes one million displaced, all Azeris, to end. We will work
closely with Azerbaijan regarding this matter,” expressed Arinc.

Arinc went on to say that Turkey must be a dynamic country that
resolves disputes, and capable of taking initiatives in its region.
“The problems of Azerbaijan deserve assistance from Turkey. Our
brothers expect a far more active international diplomacy from
Turkey. Our historical mission and strength are all we need for an
active political role,” stated Arinc.

Asked about his views on north of Iraq, Arinc elaborated that Turkey
has drawn global attention to the demographic changes made in this
region. “Undoubtedly, the elections in Iraq was full of wrong and
unfair practices. We all know that the steps taken in Iraq to this
day have not been helpful in the re-construction and democratization
of Iraq,” commented Arinc.

In response to a question on the Israeli-Palestinian Summit in Sharm El
Sheikh town of Egypt, Arinc replied that the election of Mahmood Abbas
as the president of Palestine has been a very positive step towards
the restoration of democracy in Palestine. “Abbas’s election is a
new chance for peace in the region. The establishment of a permanent
peace in the Middle East will positively affect the whole world.”

Arinc added that an independent Palestine, whose recognized boundaries
are secure, is what Turkey wishes to realize.