The New Anatolian, Turkey
Feb 21 2008

Babacan tells Russian press: Upper Karabakh should be given back to
Azerbaijan

The New Anatolian / Ankara
21 February 2008

Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babacan said Turkey believed Upper
Karabakh should be given back to Azerbaijan.

Babacan, who was in Russian capital on Wednesday, replied to
questions of Russian journalists after completing his talks.

Commenting on the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict, Babacan said Turkey
desired UN Security Council’s decisions to be implemented regarding
the Karabakh issue and the invasion on Azerbaijani territory should
be ended.

Replying to a question on Iran’s nuclear program, Babacan said
problems related to such issue should be solved through diplomatic
means and in a peaceful manner.

Upon a question, Babacan said Turkey had no secret agenda regarding
Middle East and its only desire was to see peace and stability in the
region.

He said Turkey had a balancing role and a reliable position in the
region, adding that Turkey was ready to use the important
communication channels it had as a tool to solve the problems and to
provide peace.

Commenting on the cooperation between Russia and Turkey regarding
energy issue, Babacan said, during his talks with Russian Energy
Minister Viktor Khristenko, they discussed the current and potential
cooperation opportunities between the countries.

Babacan said Russia and Turkey were not rivals but they had
complementary roles regarding energy issue.

Replying to a question on Kosovo, Babacan said the international
community was divided and had different views on the issue.

"Every country has a different legal and political position. We
respect Russia’s posiiton as well. However, ours are different.
Consequently, we recognized Kosovo’s independence on Monday," he
said.