Anadolu Agency, Turkey
Jan 28 2009

TURKISH FOREIGN MINISTER EXPECTS SOLUTION WITH ARMENIA IN 2009

DAVOS (A.A) – 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 US 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.