RELATIONS WILL NOT BE RESTORED UNLESS ARMENIA GIVES UP CLAIMS: TURKISH PRESIDENT

Trend
07.11.07 12:47

Azerbaijan, Baku / corr Trend I.Alizade / Unless Armenia relinquishes
its claims in connection with the alleged ‘Armenian genocide’, and
agrees to allow an examination of this issue by the parliaments of
other countries, Turkish-Armenian relations will not be normalized,
said Turkish President Abdullah Gul, while addressing the Milli Majlis
[Azerbaijan Parliament] during a visit to Baku on 9 November.

Gul said that in 1991, Turkey recognized Armenia as a country and
although Armenia is not located on the Black Sea coastline, Turkey
invited them to join the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC).

"Nevertheless, problems appeared and obstacles were created, hindering
the establishment of diplomatic relations between Turkey and Armenia.

However, I do not think that Turkey should be solely accountable for
the current situation," Gul said.

According to Gul, the world ought to know that the current situation
is a result of Armenia’s actions in non-compliance with international
standards regarding Turkey, as well as their illegal occupation of
a territory in neighboring Azerbaijan.

"We will continue rendering the necessary support for the resolution of
the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict within the framework of the territorial
integrity of Azerbaijan," Gul added.

The Turkish President began his official visit to Azerbaijan on
6 November.

This is Gul’s first visit to a foreign country after his election as
the President of Turkey.