GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SEEKS TO EASE AZERBAIJANI CONCERNS OVER TALKS WITH ARMENIA

Anadolu Agency
April 20 2009
Turkey

A Turkish government spokesman has sought to give assurances to
Azerbaijan over Turkish-Armenian talks which have prompted an
expectation for re-establishing diplomatic ties between Ankara and
Yerevan.

"It is not possible for us to take any step which could hurt
Azerbaijan’s interests in our talks with Armenia or with any other
country," Cemil Cicek told reporters on Monday after a cabinet meeting.

High-level talks between Ankara and Yerevan began last year and
expectations have been rising of a deal that could include the opening
of the border gate.

Armenia said last Thursday it was close to establishing diplomatic
relations with Turkey as Azerbaijan has expressed opposition over
such a prospect.

"Turkey has never been in a behind-closed-doors move that would
disregard Azerbaijani interests, which should be acknowledged by
everyone," Cicek said.

Turkey cut all diplomatic ties with Yerevan and closed a border gate
with its northeastern neighbor in 1993 after Armenia occupied Upper
Karabakh.