ARTHUR BAGHDASARYAN: OUR NEIGHBORS ARE NOT OUR RIVALS

armradio.am
18.09.2008 16:51

The visit of the Turkish President Abdullah Gul to Armenia at the
invitation of RA President Serzh Sargsyan created a completely new
situation in the region, Secretary of National Security Council Arthur
Baghdasaryan told a press conference, noting that RA President’s
Initiative of launching normal political dialogue was a most correct
political step. "Our neighbors are not our rivals, we must gradually
establish normal relations with our neighbors: this is the slogan
in the sphere of foreign policy and security, which our politicians
are guided by. The launch of the Armenian-Turkish dialogue envisages
different components, which embrace the vital interests of the Republic
of Armenia in most different fields," Arthur Baghdasaryan said.

As for the rumors that Turkey may assume the role of a mediator
in the Karabakh conflict settlement, Arthur Baghdasaryan said
Turkey can never become a mediator, especially considering that
there has never been such a question. Armenia has always defended
and defends the format of negotiations within the framework of the
Minsk Group. The Co-Chairs also accept that the Minsk Group format
should not change. According to him, Abdullah Gul has expressed the
will to contribute to the resolution of the issue. "We are ready
to accept any assistance. Assistance and mediation are different
missions. We welc ome any attempt of assistance that can contribute
to the peaceful resolution of the issue," Arthur Baghdasaryan said,
appreciating the fact that the French and US Co-Chairs of the Minsk
Group visited Stepanakert during their latest visits to the region
and met with NKR leadership. According to him, this is a new emphasis
and an immediate expression of the reality that NKR is becoming an
active participant of the process.

According to the Secretary of the National Security Council, the
Russian-Georgian conflict evidenced once again that the attempts of
solving issues in a military way result in unwanted consequences. The
Armenian authorities once again proved their balanced position of
resolving conflicts through mutual concessions.

Speaking about the opportunities of opening of the Armenian-Turkish
border and its consequences, Arthur Baghdasaryan noted that research is
carried out to find out the possible positive and negative aspects of
it. Nevertheless, the opening of the border can ensure much greater
dividends for Armenia’s economic development than certain negative
trends. He said the positive sides of exploitation of the Gyumri-Kars
railway are obvious, simply reminding that the distance between Gyumri
and Kars is 3 km.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress