Turkey’s FM tells crisis moments in Armenia deal
The crisis was overcome after both sides agreed not to make remarks
after the signature ceremony, Davutoglu said.

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Sunday, 11 October 2009 13:58

Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said Sunday the crisis
experienced yesterday in Zurich prior to the signature ceremony of
protocols between Turkey and Armenia was "a procedural matter".

Speaking on Turkey’s state-run TRT TV channel on Sunday, Davutoglu said
that the signing of the protocols was a "crucial step".

The protocols are a reflection of Turkey’s peaceful vision, Davutoglu
stressed.

The crisis lived prior to the signature ceremony was a "natural
component of the process. The crisis was a procedural issue, Davutoglu
said.

The crisis was overcome after both sides agreed not to make remarks
after the signature ceremony, Davutoglu said. "The crisis had to do
with expressions that were to be made during the ceremony".

Turkey’s perspective is comprehensive peace. This would be possible if
all sides reach issues in a just and equal way, Davutoglu noted.

Bilateral relations between Turkey and Armenia have entered a new
period, Davutoglu said.

With this new period, the peoples of Turkey and Armenia will be able to
understand each other more accurately, Davutoglu stressed.

The solution of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict is crucial. Turkey
took steps for the solution of the conflict, Davutoglu said.

It is out of question for Turkey to leave Azerbaijan alone whatever the
conditions may be, Davutoglu said.

Since the Kars Treaty, Turkey and Armenia have signed the first
different document. The protocol signed defined Turkish-Armenian
relations and placed relations within a frame, Davutoglu said.

Once the protocols go into effect, relations between Turkey and Armenia
will be normalized. Turkey recognized Armenia as a state and kept its
borders open until the occupation in 1993, Davutoglu said.

The protocols will facilitate greater cooperation between Turkey and
Armenia at international forums and will help end mutual pre-conceived
notions in the minds of our peoples, Davutoglu said.

Turkey has confidence in itself. The engine of surrounding countries is
Turkey, Davutoglu said.

We do not want a poor neighbor. Our neighbor should get richer but
should have respect for the rights of another neighbor. Occupation in
all territories should end. As the macro vision develops, micro crisis
lose significance with time, Davutoglu said.

The Kars Treaty was one that defined the borders. Such treaties do not
lose legitimacy even if the governments do not exist any more. The
protocol signed on Saturday has an article that refers to the
recognition of the existing borders (between Turkey and Armenia). We
have no concerns about the recognition of the borders, Davutoglu also
said.