Anatolian Times, Turkey
Turkish Press
June 24 2005
Mercan: Armenia Must Recognize Its Border With Turkey
STRASBOURG – Parliamentary Assembly of Council of Europe (PACE)
Turkish Delegation Chairman and Justice & Development Party (AKP)
deputy from Eskisehir Murat Mercan has indicated today that ”Armenia
must recognize its border with Turkey.”
A report on the reform process in Armenia was discussed at the
parliamentary assembly meeting.
Mercan brought up the part of the Armenian constitution that talks
about ”west Armenia” openly calling and demanding for territory
from Turkey. ”While Armenia wishes for international laws and good
neighborhood, it refuses to recognize its border with Turkey,” said
Mercan.
Mercan wanted support on a voting to take place today that calls on
Armenia to recognize and respect its current borders and modify its
constitution accordingly.
Meanwhile, Azerbaijani parliamentarians criticized Armenia for its
occupation of Upper Karabakh.
A parliamentarian, speaking on behalf of the Armenian delegation,
stated that Turkey should start diplomatic relations with Yerevan.
In a recommendation voting at the Parliamentary Assembly, Armenia
will be requested to not delay its constitutional reforms.