ESTABLISHING ARMENIAN-TURKISH RELATIONS CAN ALSO BEGIN WITH CULTURE: TURKISH MINISTER

Tert
Oct 26 2009
Armenia

Soon, Armenian and Turkish historians and archeologists will meet
in Kars. The scientists will decide together how to reconstruct Ani
ruins, reports Azerbaijani news source Vesti.az, making reference to
Turkish news agency Patronlar Dunyasi.

Turkish Culture and Tourism Minister Ertugrul Gunay stated in
his interview to Star TV that the joint commission continue their
work in shaping the commission, which will make a decision on the
reconstruction of ruins in Ani, a historical Armenian village currently
found within Turkey’s borders.

"The final issues related to the commission’s formation are being
discussed, and in the near future, all of you will witness the
activities of that structure," Gunay said.

According to the minister, joint cultural projects are planned to
begin in the near future, in which Armenian and Turkish singers and
musicians will take part.

"Some Turkish renowned singers and musicians have Armenian roots. In
establishing relations, we shouldn’t focus on a few unpleasant details,
but rather, [we should] attempt, by joint efforts, to find positive
aspects in relations," the minister stated.

Asked whether the minister is going to visit Armenia in the future,
Gunay said he doesn’t exclude the possibility.

"Why not? I don’t exclude such a possibility. After all, the approach
[that is, the establishment of Armenian-Turkish relations] can also
begin with culture," he said.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress