Anatolia News Agency, Turkey
Sept 6 2008
TURKISH PRESIDENT SEEKS TO DISCUSS REGIONAL INITIATIVE WITH ARMENIAN
COUNTERPART
Ankara, 6 September: Turkish President Abdullah Gul said Saturday [6
September], aside from being the first match between our 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 Esenboga International Airport,
Abdullah Gul said that he would travel to Yerevan, Armenia to watch
tonight’s soccer match between Turkey and Armenia.
Gul 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," Gul said.
Stressing that his visit to Yerevan took place at an important period,
Gul said that Sargsyan 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 [Serzh] Sargsyan," Gul said.
"The topics of developments in the Caucasus, Upper Karabakh dispute,
and bilateral relations will be discussed in Yerevan today," Gul 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,"
Gul said.
"With these feelings and thoughts, I wish our national team success,"
Gul added.
Asked about the possible score of tonight’s game, Gul said that he
would not comment on the match itself except wishing for the Turkish
side to win.