BARROSO: ARMENIA-TURKEY PROBLEMS SOLVABLE WITH POLITICAL COURAGE

PanARMENIAN.Net
07.11.2008 15:19 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ President of the European Commission said Thursday
he hopes Turkish President’s recent visit to Armenia gave a start of
real dialogue.

Speaking to reporters after the talks with Armenian President Serzh
Sargsyan in Brussels, Mr. Jose Manuel Barroso described Abdullah
Gul’s visit to Armenia as a remarkable event.

"I understand that problems between Turkey and Armenia are complicated,
dramatic and quite sensitive but they can be overcome, with political
courage," Barroso said, adding that establishing dialogue and reaching
a consensus in the region is vital for the stability and prosperity
of Europe, as both Turkey and Armenia are parts of the continent.

"Exchange of views between Turkish and Armenian officials will
facilitate security of the Caucasus," he said.

Turkey’s President Abdullah Gul was in Yerevan on Sept. 6 to watch
a World Cup qualifier between the Armenian and Turkish national
teams. Before the match, the heads of state discussed possibilities
to normalize bilateral relations and said that the meeting will be
an impetus for further dialogue between the two states.