GENERAL STAFF CHIEF OF THE TURKISH ARMY: "THE MAIN ISSUE IS ARMENIA’S WITHDRAWAL FROM THE OCCUPIED TERRITORIES OF AZERBAIJAN"

APA
April 29 2009
Azerbaijan

Ankara – APA. "The problem between Azerbaijan and Armenia was caused
by the declaring of independence of Nagorny Karabakh in 1991 and then
occupation of seven regions around Nagorny Karabakh by Armenia in 1993.

What is to be done for solution of the problem? Armenia should be
withdrawn from the Azerbaijani lands. The most important issue is
that", said Chief of the General Staff of Turkish Army General Ilker
Bashbug, APA reports. Bashbug said they shared Prime Minister Recep
Tayyip Erdogan’s position on this issue. "Honorable Prime Minister
said the borders would be opened on the same day with the withdrawal
of Armenian forces from the Azerbaijani lands. We join him".

Bashbug said there were three main problems between Turkey and
Armenia. He said Armenia didn’t recognize Kars treaty of 1921, had
territorial claims against Turkey in its Declaration of Independence
and groundless "genocide" claims as well.