TURKISH FOREIGN MINISTER SAYS TURKEY’S FINAL PERSPECTIVE IS EUROPE

Anadolu Agency
Nov 17 2009
Turkey

ANKARA (A.A) -Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said that
Turkey would never give up its final perspective Europe.

Davutoglu said during a debate at the parliament on the budget of
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, "Turkey cannot be offended in its
relations with Europe, the United States, the Middle East and the
Central Asia. Turkey is a regional actor. Also, our unique geographical
position entails us to develop foreign policies for many regions at
the same time. We cannot say that we do not care about what happens
in Europe or in Iran."

Referring to the protocols signed with Armenia, Davutoglu said, "our
target with those protocols is mutual recognition of the borders by
Turkey and Armenia. The protocols clearly define the borders. There
is nothing in those protocols against Turkey’s interests."

"Azerbaijan has lost 20 per cent of its territories. This status quo
has not changed for the past 17 years. We attach great importance to
protection Azerbaijani territories. If we do not try to change the
status quo for another 10 years, it will become permanent. Our target
is to change the situation in the region through diplomatic ways. In
that case, Turkey-Armenia relations can be normalized. Also, we can
create a peaceful atmosphere between Azerbaijan and Armenia that
can pave the way to end of occupation of Azerbaijani territories,"
Davutoglu added.