TURKISH FM SEES ARMENIA SOLUTION IN 2009

Jan 28 2009
Turkey

Turkey’s foreign minister said on Wednesday that 2009 could be a
milestone in Turkish-Armenian relations.

Speaking to CNN Turk TV channel in Davos, Turkish Foreign Minister
Ali Babacan said that he expected the problems between Turkey and
Armenia to be solved in 2009.

"Actually, it would not surprise me if a solution was found this
year. 2009 can be a milestone in Turkish-Armenian relations as long
as both parties maintain their political will till the end," he said.

Upon a question on U.S. special envoy to the Middle East George
Mitchell’s probable visit to Turkey, Babacan said that he had a phone
conversation with Mitchell the other night and currently they were
trying to set a date.

"He is on a fast tour. We are trying to determine the date on which
he could stop by Turkey or on which we could be available. However,
he expressed his desire to visit our country," Babacan said.