ANKARA’S RESIDENTS OPPOSE OPENING OF BORDER WITH ARMENIA: POLL

Trend
March 23 2009
Azerbaijan

According to the poll conducted among 100 residents of Ankara,
residents of Turkey’s capital oppose opening of their country’s border
with Armenia.

Though Turkish officials do not confirm the information about
opening of border with Armenia, Armenian side said that this issue
was discussed.

Turkish ambassador to Azerbaijan Hulusi Kilic told media last week
that official Ankara’s policy towards Azerbaijan was not changed.

"Azerbaijan is informed about all talks held with Armenia. Turkey
will never take an action contradicting interests of Azerbaijan,"
Kilic said.

Roughly 70 percent of respondents participating in the poll oppose
opening of border with Armenia. As an argument they stressed the
fact that Armenia calls Turkey for recognizing so-called genocide
of Armenians, as well as Armenia occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijani
territory.

Moreover, 20 percent of respondents said that they do not believe
that Turkish government will make a decision about opening of borders
with Armenia.

Roughly 10 percent of respondents found difficulty in answering
poll’s issue. Roughly 50 percent comprises young people of total
number of respondents.

Turkey tries to establish diplomatic relations with Armenia broken
since 1993. The reason is anti Turkish campaign held by Erevan
connected with so-called genocide of Armenians and occupation of 20
percent of Azerbaijani territory by Armenia.

Armenia’s President Serj Sargsyan invited Turkey’s President Abdullah
Gul to an elimination match of World Championship between Armenia and
Turkey held in Erevan on September 6. After Gul’s visit, diplomatic
efforts on establishment relations between two countries continue.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress