TURKISH, ARMENIAN, AZERBAIJANI FOREIGN MINISTERS HOLD TRIPARTITE MEETING

Anatolia News Agency
Sept 27 2008
Turkey

New York, Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babacan said on Friday
[26 September] that Armenian Foreign Minister Edvard Nalbandyan
and Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov suggested me to
continue tripartite talks to establish a better political dialogue
and an understanding forum.

The three foreign ministers made a press release after the historical
meeting in New York.

Babacan said, "I met Armenian and Azerbaijani foreign ministers today
to assess regional matters. We believe that Caucasus has a very big
potential. We also believe that we will be able to achieve success in
case we manage to restore peace and stability in the Caucasus. This
will be very good for the welfare of our peoples and at the same time
will assist regional stability and peace."

Babacan said, "we discussed Caucasus Cooperation and Stability
Platform, an initiative suggested by Turkey, and started to negotiate
some specific regional matters during today’s meeting."

Armenian Foreign Minister Nalbandyan said his country welcomed the
initiative on Caucasus Cooperation and Stability Platform suggested
by Turkey.

Referring to his meeting with Babacan that took place prior to
the tripartite meeting, Nalbandyan said stability, security and
cooperation in our region lie under the idea of this Caucasus Stability
and Cooperation Platform. He said they also discussed the steps that
were and would be taken to fully normalize bilateral relations.

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Mammadyarov in his statement said they
discussed Turkey’s suggestion for the platform and the recent ongoing
developments in the region.

Mammadyarov said everybody was aware that there were risks and
difficulties in the region. "The problems should be overcome. We
think this initiative is timely. We may establish a more understanding
regarding how to cope with the important developments in the region."

Asked when the next meeting would take place, Armenian foreign minister
said, "very soon".