Turkish Foreign Minister: Turkey is willing to establish friendly ties with Armenia

PanARMENIAN.Net
25.01.2007 14:38 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Turkey is willing to establish friendly ties
with neighboring Armenia, adding the caveat that this would not
be possible without the full cooperation of both sides. Asked
about implications for Turkish-Armenian relations following the
assassination of Turkish-Armenian journalist Hrant Dink, Gul said,
"Turkey aspires to enjoy friendly ties with all of its neighbors on
the basis of mutual trust and respect and we want to establish ties
with Armenia as well." Gul stressed that Turkey had no hostility
toward any of its neighbors but said that establishing friendly ties
was only possible with steps from both sides, adding that Armenia
should review its thoughts and feelings toward Turkey.

"The funeral of slain Turkish-Armenian journalist Hrant Dink on Tuesday
brought Turks and Armenians together. Armenian government officials and
moderate figures from the Armenian Diaspora attended the funeral at the
invitation of the Turkish government. "Representatives from Armenia
came and saw; Turkey has no hostility toward anyone," Gul said. But
he noted that Armenia should not come up with unfair demands from
Turkey – such as the recognition by Ankara of the alleged genocide of
Armenians at the hands of Ottoman Empire – in return for normalization
of bilateral ties, reports Turkish Daily News.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress