TURKISH FM HOPEFUL FOR NORMALIZATION WITH ARMENIA

Hurriyet Daily News
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Ankara

Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu outlined his determination to end
frozen conflicts in the South Caucasus and expressed his hope for
normalization with Armenia.

"We have a strong political will to secure permanent peace and
stability in the Caucasus. Otherwise, we would not have taken these
steps," Davutoglu, referring to signing protocols with Armenia, told
reporters Wednesday at Ankara’s Esenboga Airport before his departure
for Kazakhstan.

"We are hopeful that positive developments will happen in that
direction," he said.

The international community continues supporting the normalization
process, he noted. "I am sure [normalization] will take place as long
as all of us carry out our responsibilities."

"Hopefully, such a perspective is not far away from being realized
thanks to very strong steps that will be taken in the near future,"
he added.

Davutoglu will hold official talks in Kazakhstan from Feb. 10 to 12.

He said he would pay follow-up official visits to other Central Asian
republics having significant roles in Turkish foreign policy.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress