FORMER TURKISH PRESIDENT DEMIREL WARNS AGAINST OPENING BORDERS

430_4/13/2009_1
Monday, April 13, 2009

ANKARA (Combined Sources)–Former Turkish President Suleyman Demirel,
during whose presidency the border with Armenia was shut down, said
Monday that a possible agreement between Armenia and Turkey to open
the borders would not be beneficial for Turkey.

"The US, Europe and Russia want to solve their geopolitical problems
in the South Caucasus at the cost of reopening Turkey-Armenia borders,"
said Demirel in an interview with the Milliyet newspaper.

Demirel claimed that during his presidency that US, on several
occasions, had pressured Turkey to open the borders.

"Every time I asked what Turkey would gain from it, they could never
answer my question," said the former president.

Demirel said that the US was interested in opening the Turkish-Armenian
border to diminish Russia’s influence in the region, and thus
strengthen its position with Armenian, a scenario, which he thinks
would be detrimental for Azerbaijan.

"In such a scenario, the resolution to the conflict will be delayed,
which is tantamount to losing Nagorno-Karabakh," said Demirel, adding
that Turkey could prove its leadership in the region by setting
conditions to ensure the return of liberated territories around the
Nagorno-Karabakh Republic.

"Turkey will gain nothing from improving relations with Armenia, unless
the territories are returned. Moreover, Armenia has territorial claims
against Turkey and does not give up genocide allegations. Armenia
has not recognized our borders, while we recognize them. They have
made Agri Mountain [Mt. Ararat] their symbol and killed about 40
Turkish diplomats. And now they say %u218You committed genocide and
must apologize.’ Some countries pass decisions on the so-called
genocide. I think Turkey need not improve relations with Armenia
unless the above-mentioned problems are resolved," added Demirel.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress