Anatolia News Agency, Turkey
Feb. 20, 2008

TURKISH MINISTER SAYS KARABAKH SHOULD BE GIVEN BACK TO AZERBAIJAN

Moscow, 20 February: Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babacan said [on]
Wednesday [20 February] that Turkey believedUpper Karabakh should be
given back to Azerbaijan.

Babacan, who is currently in Russian capital of Moscow, 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 programme, Babacan said
problems related to such issue should be solvedthrough diplomatic
means and in a peaceful way.

Middle East

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 theimportant
communication channels it had as a tool to solve the problems and to
provide peace.

Cooperation in energy

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

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

Kosovo

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

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

Foreign Minister Babacan is scheduled to return to Turkey later on
Wednesday.