TURKISH MINISTER SAYS ARMENIAN COMMUNITY IN TURKEY COULD HELP IMPROVE RELATIONS

Anadolu Agency
Feb 24 2009
Turkey

Istanbul, 24 February: The Turkish state minister and chief negotiator
for EU talks, Egemen Bagis, said Tuesday that the government wants
to improve relations with all neighbours including Armenia, adding
that the Armenian community living in Turkey is an important bridge
for this purpose.

Bagis met directors, principals and heads of Parent-Teacher
Associations of Armenian primary and high schools in Istanbul.

"We wish to improve political, economic and social relations with
Armenia. Recent developments raised our hopes," Bagis told the meeting.

In September 2008, Turkey’s President Abdullah Gul paid a visit to
Armenia, which was described as a "historic visit to build bridges
between the two countries" that have no diplomatic ties. Gul invited
his Armenian counterpart for the return match to be played in October
2009 in Turkey.

"I am hopeful and we see the Armenian community living in Turkey as
an important bridge for this purpose. Because you have got a lot to
add to this friendship," Bagis said.

He said hostility and hatred would go nowhere as Turkish and Armenian
people lived together on this geography for centuries. He said Turkish
and Armenian people would overcome obstacles together, adding, "We got
over lots of difficulties together on this land. We have gone through
very poor and troubled days together. Now we are experiencing maybe
the most prosperous days of our history."

"Mosques, churches and synagogues have made all of us peaceful in this
land for centuries," he said. "Democracy is getting stronger in Turkey
and you (Armenian people living in Turkey) have great contributions
in it."