TURKISH-ARMENIAN NORMALIZATION CREATES NEW HOPE FOR PEACE IN OUR CONFLICT-RIDDEN GEOGRAPHY: ABDULLAH GUL DOES NOT HESITATE TO ESTABLISH RELATIONS WITH ARMENIA

ArmInfo
2010-02-11 22:42:00

ArmInfo. President of Turkey Abdullah Gul has responded to the message
by Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan.

"Your Excellency, Dear Friend,

I would like to thank you for the kind message that you have sent
on the occasion of your flight over the Turkish territory. Please
accept my reciprocal greetings to you and the people of neighboring
Armenia," says Abdullah Gul in pesponse to President Sargsyan’s
overflight message.

"I welcome the thoughts conveyed to us in your message. I do share
the view that our bilateral efforts aimed at the normalization of
Turkish-Armenian relations attracted due attention world-wide by
creating a new hope for peace in our conflict-ridden geography.

Overcoming the long-established prejudices and nurturing mutual
understanding and trust among our two neighboring peoples were indeed
our main objectives when endorsing the process of normalization between
our countries. You should have no doubt that our determination to
take these objectives forward is intact, provided that this resolve
and commitment remains reciprocal.

I also agree with you that responsible governance necessitates both
standing behind words and supporting words with deeds. Hence, we will
continue to work for taking our normalization process forward based
upon the understanding reached between our two countries. We have to
be aware that concluding this historic process will require honoring
our commitments in their entirety as well as displaying adequate
political courage and vision.

A future characterized by sustainable peace, security, prosperity
and cooperation for all the people living in our region is our common
goal and I will remain personally engaged in this process hoping to
see it reach a satisfactory conclusion for both of our countries,"
the Turkish president says.