Today’s Zaman, Turkey
Sept 6 2008

President G?Ã?¼l says Turkey-Armenia soccer match will generate
important opportunities

President Abdullah G?Ã?¼l said Saturday, aside from being the first
match between two countries, tonight’s World Cup qualifying match
between the national soccer teams of Turkey and Armenia would generate
important opportunities.

Speaking to reporters at Ankara’s Esenbo?Ä?a International Airport,
Abdullah G?Ã?¼l said that he would travel to Yerevan, Armenia to watch
tonight’s soccer match between Turkey and Armenia.

G?Ã?¼l said that his visit to Yerevan would take place upon an
invitation by the Armenian President Serzh Sargsian.

"We have noticed a month ago how disputes in the Caucasus region pose
a threat to stability and peace in the region. The war between the
Russian Federation and Georgia had an impact not only on the regional
countries but the whole globe," G?Ã?¼l said.

Stressing that his visit to Yerevan took place at an important period,
G?Ã?¼l said that Sargsian and he would have an opportunity to discuss
the developments in the region.

"As you know, we developed an initiative titled ‘Caucasus Stability
and Cooperation Platform’ to facilitate permanent stability and peace
in the Caucasus. We held discussions with the prospective members of
this platform (a platform that includes three Caucasian countries, the
Russian Federation and Turkey), except with Armenia. During my visit
to Yerevan, I will have a chance to exchange viewpoints on this
platform with the Armenian President Sargsian," G?Ã?¼l told.

"The topics of developments in the Caucasus, Upper Karabagh dispute,
and bilateral relations will be discussed in Yerevan today," G?Ã?¼l
said.

"I wish that the match to be played today will help the lifting of
obstacles that prohibit closeness between the two peoples that share
common history and will contribute to regional friendship and peace,"
G?Ã?¼l said.

"With these feelings and thoughts, I wish our national team success,"
G?Ã?¼l added.

Asked about the possible score of tonight’s game, G?Ã?¼l said that he
would not comment on the match itself except wishing for the Turkish
side to win.

06 September 2008, Saturday
TODAY’S ZAMAN WITH WIRES ?Ä?°STANBUL