AK Party deputy Comez addresses conference in Yerevan University

Turkish Press
June 13 2005

YEREVAN (AA) – Justice and Development Party (AKP) deputy Turan
Comez who attended a conference in Yerevan University, said that it
(the conference) was just a meeting, but in fact it was a significant
step taken for the peace and stability in this geography (where Turkey
and Armenia were situated).

Addressing the conference on Turkish-Armenian relations held at
Yerevan University, Comez said that the conference (in Yerevan)
was welcomed by Turkey.

Noting that Turkey wanted to have good and peaceful relations with
its neighbors, Comez said that there should be more visits between
the people of two countries to improve Turkish-Armenian relations.

“The communication channels of universities, NGOs and media between
the two countries should be particularly open,” said Comez.

Upon a question of an Armenian lecturer asking the attitude of Turkish
parliamentarians towards relations with Armenia, Comez said that “all
Turkish parliamentarians want to have good relations with Armenia.”

“Such kind of platforms are very important to overcome the biased
perceptions of the two countries,” said Comez.

Comez remarked that the aim of his visit was “to get to know each
other” adding that “I have been supported by many people in Turkey
regarding my visit to Armenia… You can call my visit either as one
of friendship, or dialogue, or official visit or unofficial visit.
The thing that is important is the dialogue that I want to have
with you…”

Upon a question about the Armenian claims of genocide, Comez said that
societies had painful incidents in the past. Noting that Turks and
Armenians lived peacefully for 850 years, Comez said that Armenians
were appointed to important posts in the Ottoman State.

“We should take lessons from the past, we went through sad incidents
in 1915, the Ottomans fought in three fronts in that period. It is
impossible for us not to be sad about the death of our Armenian
citizens due to the law on deportation. But if we want progress,
we should always look to the future,” he added.

Upon a question about the conference which was cancelled at Bogazici
University, Comez said that Turkey was a democratic country where
all views could be discussed openly.