Turkish journalists study general moods
07:07 pm | September 04, 2009 | Politics
A group of Turkish journalists have arrived in Armenia to study the
general moods over the Protocols on Armenian-Turkish relations. During
a conversation with A1+ reporter of Habarturk newspaper Bulent Gunal
said that the "Turkish people are ready for the frontier reopening but
some nationalists are concerned about the Protocols."
"I can say one thing for sure. Despite all controversial
interpretations of the documents Turks are unanimous that there must
be no conflicts in the region.
Large-scale discussions are held over the Protocols on different
levels in Turkey. The cons say Armenian-Turkish frontier mustn’t be
opened unless Armenia withdraws its troops from Karabakh. They are
also concerned over the formation of a sub-commission of
Armenian-Turkish historians," says Mr. Bulent Gunal.
Armenian authorities lay no preconditions in diplomatic relations
while your authorities connect Armenian-Turkish relations with a third
country – Azerbaijan. Do the statements of your authorities
contribute to the normalization of Armenian-Turkish ties?
In reply to A1+’s question, Mr. Bulent said: "I shall not comment on
the statements of Turkey’s leadership but Armenia should realize that
the situation has changed in the region after the Russian-Georgian
conflict.
Armenia should understand that besides friendly relations Turkey and
Azerbaijan have certain energetic commitments and Turkey must defer to
Azerbaijan."