Anadolu Agency, Turkey
Oct 24 2009

Turkish, Canadian defence ministers view ties, Armenian issue

Ankara, 24 October: Turkish Defence Minister Vecdi Gonul said on
Saturday [24 October] that there were no problems in tender of
unmanned aerial vehicle.

Speaking to reporters after his meeting with Canadian Defence Minister
Peter Mackay, Gonul said two companies remained in the tender, noting
that those companies developed two separate planes.

Gonul said both of those companies lost one plane around 18,000 feet
height, "however, the companies did not lose time and alternate planes
flew. Turkey’s tender continues. Executive committee will give the
final decision."

Gonul said the unmanned aerial vehicle was totally home-made, noting
that private sector made command control systems and many other
systems.

When Canadian minister was asked to comment on Turkey’s "democratic
move" process, Mackay said Turkey was an important friend of Canada
and they always supported Turkey’s efforts to reach a solution.

He said Canada particularly supported the opening of archives
regarding relations with Armenia and discussion of the period openly.

Mackay expressed readiness of Canada to undertake a mission as a
mediator and friend on the matter, and noted that there were some
problems in Canada’s history as it happened in every country’s
history.

Mackay said all those developments would have very big contributions
to Turkey’s future.

The guest minister also thanked to contributions of Turkey during
evacuation of Canadian citizens from Beirut.