ARMENIAN PRESIDENT OPTIMISTIC ABOUT RELATIONS WITH TURKEY
ArmInfo News Agency (in Russian)
Sept 4 2008
Armenia
Yerevan, 4 September: There already are evident changes in relations
between Armenia and Turkey, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan has
said at his meeting with Armenian diplomats and representatives in
international organizations.
"On the whole, I think a situation has emerged that can be
characterized as evident changes in relations between Armenian and
Turkey. We need to show a political will and consistency. This will
be a touchstone of political maturity for both countries," Sargsyan
said. "I invited [Turkish President] Abdullah Gul to Armenia because I
am sure that direct contacts are the only way for settling relations
between neighbouring nations. From that point of view, my invitation
has a context of political expectations. Without forgetting the
past, we have to look into the future and begin contacts without
preconditions. I think we will be able to discuss any issue, even
the most difficult ones."
Ankara confirmed yesterday that Gul will arrive in Yerevan on 6
September to watch the 2010 World Cup qualifier football game between
the Armenian and Turkish teams.