ARA KOCHUNYAN: INTRODUCTION OF ARMENIAN ISSUE IN RUSSIAN-TURKISH AGENDA ‘EXCEPTIONAL CASE’

PanARMENIAN.Net
02.07.2008 17:38 GMT+04:00

Discussion of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict and normalization of the
Armenian-Turkish relations during a visit of Russian Foreign Minister
to Ankara is an ‘exceptional case’, according to Ara Kochunyan,
the editor Istanbul-based Jamanak newspaper.

"Certainly, Serzh Sargsyan’s decision to invite Gul to Armenia and his
positive statement on formation of a joint commission of historians
has played a key role here," he said, however founding difficulty in
saying whether the Turkish President will accept Sargsyan’s invitation.

During a recent meeting with the Armenian community of Moscow
President Sargsyan said, "Turkey proposes to form a commission to
study historical facts. We do not mind it but the land border between
our countries should be opened first. Otherwise, the commission may
become a tool of abuse and protraction of the issue for many years."

"I intend to take new steps toward establishment of relations with
Turkey. I will probably invite Turkish President Abdullah Gul to
Yerevan to attend a match between our national soccer teams," the
Armenian President said.