, Turkey
Jan 2 2009

Turkish president says apology campaign no good for Armenia ties

Asked about future of Turkish-U.S. relations after the new Washington
administration, Gul said relations would become stronger.

Friday, 02 January 2009 09:55

Turkish President Abdullah Gul said that recent internet campaign
launched by Turkish intellectuals to apologize for the incidents of
1915 would negatively affect relations between Turkey and Armenia.

"People do not ask government’s permission while doing something in
this country. But considering its consequences, I do not believe that
recent debates would have contributions," Gul told private ATV channel
in an interview.

Gul said talks between the two countries were under way.

"Sometimes you work silent, sometimes you carry out works before the
public eye. But I can say that works are under way regarding this
matter," he said.

"Who could have thought that Turkey and Armenia would play in the same
group in the World Cup qualifiers? China and United States started
relations during a table tennis tournament," Gul said.

Asked about future of Turkish-U.S. relations after the new Washington
administration, Gul said relations would become stronger.

"I believe that it will be a very good era and I think we will work
together very well," he said

AA