Turkish MP says Armenia must recognize common border

Anatolia news agency, Ankara
23 Jun 05

STRASBOURG

Parliamentary Assembly of Council of Europe (PACE) Turkish delegation
chairman and Justice and 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 “western Armenia” openly calling and demanding for territory
from Turkey. “While Armenia wishes for international laws and good
neighbourhood, 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 Nagornyy 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.