ALI BABACAN: ‘TURKEY-ARMENIA RELATIONS CANNOT BE IMAGINED WITHOUT AZERBAIJAN’
ArmInfo
2008-09-23 19:49:00
ArmInfo. Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babacan visiting New-York to
participate in the 63rd session of UN General Assembly made a keynote
speech at Council of Foreign Relations, APA reports quoting Dogan
news agency.
Babacan touched upon relations with Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia,
Iraq, Cyprus problems, EU membership, and anti-American mood increased
in Turkey lately and other issues. Babacan noted that Turkey’s
relations with Armenia could not be imagined without the participation
of Azerbaijan. He added that Turkey closed its borders with Armenia,
because of ‘occupation of Azerbaijani lands by Armenia’. The Minister
noted that he had proposed to ministers of two countries to hold
trilateral meeting and this meeting would be held soon.
Asked when Turkish soldiers will be withdrawn from Cyprus, Babacan
stated that Turkish soldiers would stay at island as long as necessary.
"If Greek Cypriots adopt Annan Plan, the number of Turkish soldiers
will be cut. We should not forget that there are Greek soldiers at
island. Annan plan was for decrease of military contingent in two
sides. But Greeks said "no", he said.