ARMENIA GUARANTEES SAFETY FOR ALL TURKISH FOOTBALL FANS

ARMENPRESS
Aug 22, 2008

YEREVAN, AUGUST 22, ARMENPRESS: In a today’s story, titled ‘Armenia
does not demand visas for game," the Turkish daily Hurriyet quotes
president of the Turkish Football Federation M. Ozgener as saying
that he received the first official letter from Armenia.

According to the Turkish daily, Ruben Hayrapetian, president of the
Armenian Football Federation, sent a letter to his Turkish counterpart
on August 21 saying that the September 6 qualifier between Turkey
and Armenia in Yerevan for the 2010 World Cup will proceed ‘in the
atmosphere of football celebration.’ The Turkish newspaper says that
Ruben Hayrapetian gave assurances that the Armenian authorities will
have done everything to ensure the highest possible safety for Turkish
fans who will arrive in Armenia to watch the game. He said also that on
September 6 there will be only ‘football passions.’ Ruben Hayrapetian
wrote ,"This game has stirred up big interest also outside Turkey and
Armenia. Understandingly, there are political elements in the created
condition, but the Armenian Football Federation is interested only
in the sporting outcome of the game."

He said the best possible conditions are in place at Yerevan Hrazdan
stadium and Turkish fans will be able to travel to Armenia without
visas after the government of Armenia made a special decision to that
end .

He said also the safety of all Turkish fans in Armenia will be
guaranteed. "We hope that Turkish and Armenian football players will
show a game that will be a football celebration," he said.