The Anatolian Times, Turkey
June 2 2006
Turkish F.M. Asks For Russia’s Support Against Terrorism
ANKARA – Turkish FM Abdullah Gul asked his Russian counterpart Sergey
Lavrov that Russia supports Turkey in its fight against terrorism.
Gul and Lavrov had a dinner in the Turkish Foreign Minister’s
Residence yesterday.
According to diplomats, two foreign ministers exchanged views about
bilateral relations and regional topics, as well as Turkey’s EU
membership bid.
Lavrov welcomed measures Turkey has taken regarding the Caucasus,
while Gul asked Lavrov to extend support to Turkey’s fight against
the terrorist organization PKK. He demanded that Russia take measures
against illegal activities of the terrorist organization on its
territory.
The two ministers also discussed the so-called Armenian genocide
allegations, as well as Armenian-Azerbaijani controversy.
-GENOCIDE ALLEGATIONS-
Diplomats quoted Lavrov as saying that ”the Armenian allegations are
not a dominant factor in Turkish-Russian relations; although it is
important for the Armenians”. In the meeting, Lavrov said ”they
(Russians) are against using such historical incidents as a political
tool.”
Supporting Turkey’s suggestion to set up a joint commission composed
of Turkish-Armenian historians to investigate the Armenian claims,
Lavrov said that they are ready to extend necessary support to Turkey
regarding this issue.
Meanwhile, Gul said that unless the controversy between Armenia and
Azerbaijan is not settled before Azerbaijani elections, a solution
may not be reached within next five or ten years. ”Therefore, we
hope Russia will contribute to the settlement of the problem in the
possible shortest time,” he noted.
-CONSULATES IN TURKEY AND RUSSIA-
On the other hand, diplomats said that Russia plans to upgrade its
consulate in southern Turkish city of Antalya to a consulate general,
while Turkey thinks of opening a consulate general in St. Petersburg.
In their meeting, Gul told Lavrov that he is thinking of
participating in ”Paris Charter” meeting to be held in Russia on
July 27th.