U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE HOPES FOR SOONEST NORMALIZATION OF ARMENIA-TURKEY RELATIONS
PanARMENIAN.Net
25.06.2008 19:11 GMT+04:00
The U.S. Department of State shares our European Allies’ hope that
Turkey and Armenia will soon normalize their relations, said Matthew
Bryza, Deputy Assistant of State for European and Eurasian Affairs.
"This will involve a decision by Turkey to restore diplomatic relations
and reopen its border with Armenia, and Armenia’s recognition of its
existing border with Turkey. We hope such steps will also lead to
a heartfelt discussion of the shared and tragic past of these two
friends of the United States," he said at Washington Institute for
Near East Policy.
"In Europe, the United States remains convinced that Turkey’s
eventual membership in the European Union will benefit Europe and
Turkey alike. Turkey’s blend of democracy, secularism, and rule of
law can help us all deepen our understanding of how to integrate our
Muslim populations into our mainstream societies while countering
extremist recruiters. Meanwhile, Europe’s criteria for accession
to the EU provide a set of incentives for sustained reforms which,
while in Turkey’s national interests, are often politically difficult
to make," he said.