TURKISH PRESIDENT RESPONDS TO SARGSYAN’S LETTER

/PanARMENIAN.Net/
11.02.2010 16:26 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Turkish President Abdullah Gul sent a reply to his
Armenian counterpart Serzh Sargsyan to explain Ankara’s position on
regional issues and express willingness to normalize relations with
Armenia, Zaman reported.

On February 9, President Sargsyan sent the following letter to Mr. Gul:

"Our initiative aimed at normalization of bilateral relations
holds attention of the international community. This is a historic
moment for all, indeed. The efforts the countries engaged in regional
processes exert to help improvement of Armenian-Turkish relations are
indispensable. I am confident that it wouldn’t be possible to move
forward without their support. At the same time, I believe no matter
how interested friendly states might be in a positive resolution of
the impasse, there are certain things that can be done only by our
two nations.

Mr. President,

I hope you will agree that the Armenian and Turkish peoples assign the
main task of getting rid of the stereotypes regarding each other and
establishment of the atmosphere of mutual trust to their respective
governments. We can achieve results only if there is trust, resolve and
unfaltering stance. A situation when words are not supported by deeds
gives rise to mistrust and skepticism, providing ample opportunities
to counteract for those, who oppose the process. We should be mindful
of the fact that in this particular case, the time is working not
for but against the process.

If until now we have been able to bring our bilateral relations up to
a level which made the prospects of building normal relations between
our two countries more tangible and discernible, now the time has
come to manifest determination to make next major step and leave to
the coming generations a stable and secure region."