SEDAT LACINER: ANKARA WON’T OPEN BORDER WITH ARMENIA

PanARMENIAN.Net
30.03.2009 21:36 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Turkey’s International Strategic Research
Organization says though Armenian issue will be discussed during
U.S. President’s visit to Turkey, Ankara will not compromise and open
borders with Armenia.

"U.S. and Turkey will discuss Armenian issue. But it is politically
incorrect to think that Ankara will compromise Yerevan and open borders
under Obama’s pressure," Turkey-based International Strategic Research
Organization director Sedat Lachiner told Trend News in a telephone
conversation from Ankara.

Turkey’s SABAH newspaper quoted the anonymous EU official as saying
that he hopes the Turkey-Armenia border will be opened following
U.S. President Barrack Obama’s visit to Turkey in April.

Obama will trip to Turkey on April 5-7.

Lachiner said Turkey was put on more pressure regarding Iraqi issue
during former U.S. President George Bush’s office. However, Turkey
did not allow U.S. troops to use its territory.

"Turkey will never act in detriment of Azerbaijan’s
interests. Azerbaijan is aware of all talks between Turkey and
Armenia," Lachiner said.

He said media is exaggerating reports on opening of the Turkey-Armenia
border.

The border can be opened after Armenia withdraws from "occupied
Azerbaijani lands". "Turkey will not harm its interests under the
pressure of any state," he said.