TURKEY AFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO NORMALIZE TIES WITH ARMENIA

AssA-Irada
July 29, 2009 Wednesday
Azerbaijan

Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said Wednesday that Turkish
government was still resolute to normalize relations with neighboring
Armenia, Turk.net reported. "But at the same time, it is important
for us to see the same determination from the international community
and especially from Armenia on the conflict between Armenia and
Azerbaijan," Davutoglu told a press conference after his meeting
with Bosnian Foreign Minister Sven Alkalaj. Armenia and Turkey have
been at odds and the border between the two countries has been closed
since 1993 on Ankaras insistence due to Armenias policy of occupation
of Azerbaijani territory and Armenian genocide claims. Yerevan is
failing both to end occupation and to relinquish its territorial claims
against Turkey, as well as continues propagating the alleged genocide
all over the world. However, there have been signs of normalization
in Ankara-Yerevan ties of late, and the two countries officials have
held several rounds of talks on various levels. In April, Turkey and
Armenia announced a "roadmap" for re-establishing diplomatic relations
and opening their shared border. But Ankaras Muslim ally Azerbaijan
said Armenia should first leave Upper (Nagorno) Garabagh, Azeri
region under Armenian occupation. Davutoglu said Turkish government
was hopeful over the normalization process with Armenia. "We believe
that the most extensive normalization will be seen in our region in
the coming years," Davutoglu said.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress