"ESTABLISHMENT OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS AND OPENING OF THE BORDERS SHOULD NOT BE PERCEIVED AS A KINDNESS"
By Hakob Chaqrian

AZG Armenian Daily
26/11/2008

Announced Armenian Foreign Minister in Istanbul

Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian paid a one-day working
visit to Istanbul on November 24.

As a representative of the presiding country of "Black Sea
Cooperation", he visited the secretariat of the organization, where
he answered the questions of the journalists about the present state
of Armenian-Turkish relations, the prospects of their improvement
and Nagorno Karabakh conflict.

Turkish Public TV and CNN-Turk immediately responded to the press
conference mentioning in their websites that the Armenian Foreign
Minister spoke in favor of "normalization of relations" and "opening
of borders".

Istanbul "Zhamanak" newspaper’s editor-in-chief Ara Kochunian called
"Azg" daily editorial office and informed of the press conference.

Armenian Foreign Minister expressed gratification on the occasion of
his visit to Istanbul. He mentioned that the sides have relations in
the framework of the "Black Sea Cooperation". He positively assessed
the present stage of relations with Turkey.

"According to me, the bilateral relations develop positively. Armenia
is ready to normalize the relations with Turkey. I mean, establishment
of diplomatic relations without preconditions and opening of
borders. It should not be perceived as a kindness as it is driven
from the both sides’ interests".

Armenian Foreign Minister touched upon the normalization of
Armenian-Turkish relations mentioning of many neighboring countries
in the world having problems with each other. He said that those
problems are not obstacles to establishing of diplomatic relations.

What about Karabakh conflict, the Minister spoke of the Moscow
declaration and highly appreciated Russia’s constructive role. He,
at the same time, hoped that the Moscow declaration would contribute
to the settlement of Karabakh conflict.

After the press conference, the Armenian Foreign Minister visited
the Polis Armenian patriarchate.

Later, Edward Nalbandian met with his Turkish counterpart Ali Babacan
for about 2,5 hours in "Four seasons" hotel.

After an half an hour-meeting a working dinner was held. After
the dinner, the foreign ministers answered the questions of the
journalists.

"Taking into consideration the solution of all the problems between
the two countries, the sides show a strong will. The meetings will
be continued", said Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babacan.