TURKEY EXPECTS ARMENIA TO RELEASE OCCUPIED AZERI LANDS – AMBASSADOR

news.az
Nov 17 2009
Azerbaijan

Hulusi Kilic The opening of the Turkish-Armenian border is impossible
unless Armenia releases the occupied lands of Azerbaijan, Turkish
ambassador in Baku Hulusi Kilic said.

"Turkey has taken necessary steps reaching the midway. Now it is
Armenia’s turn to make steps", Kilic said Tuesday commenting on the
ratification of the Turkish-Armenian accords on establishing diplomatic
relations between Ankara and Yerevan and opening of borders in the
Turkish parliament.

"Turkey has set its provisions on opening borders with Armenia. This
is the de-occupation of Azerbaijani lands", he said.

The ambassador also noted that Turkey intends to facilitate visa regime
and even lift it with Azerbaijan in the future, the ambassador said.

"This is normal. In the future we should take actions for the citizens
of our countries to be able to travel with identity cards", Kilic
told reporters in Baku Tuesday.

He said from 2007 the Azeri citizens have been able to stay in Turkey
without visas within a month.

"But this time Azerbaijani citizens will be able to stay in Turkey
without visa within three months. Also Turkish citizens will be able
to stay in Azerbaijan without a visa within three months", Kilic said.

"This document will be signed between the Foreign Ministries of
Azerbaijan and Turkey by the end of the year", the Turkish ambassador
in Baku said.