AHMET DAVUTOGLU: TURKEY-ARMENIA RELATIONS ENTERED A NEW PERIOD
/PanARMENIAN.Net/
12.10.2009 10:04 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said
Sunday the crisis experienced yesterday in Zurich prior to the
ceremony of signing the protocols between Turkey and Armenia was
"a procedural matter".
Speaking on Turkey’s state-run TRT TV channel on Sunday, Davutoglu
said that the signing of the protocols was a "crucial step".
The protocols are a reflection of Turkey’s peaceful vision, Davutoglu
stressed. "The crisis lived prior to the signature ceremony was a
natural component of the process. The crisis was a procedural issue. It
concerned statements to be made during the ceremony and was overcome
after both sides agreed not to make remarks," Davutoglu said.
"Turkey’s perspective is comprehensive peace. This would be
possible if all sides tackle problems in a just and equal way,"
he noted. "Relations between Turkey and Armenia have entered a new
period. With this new period, people of Turkey and Armenia will be
able to understand each other more accurately."
At that the Turkish FM emphasized that resolution of the
Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict is crucial and Turkey has taken
relevant steps.
"It is out of question for Turkey to leave Azerbaijan alone whatever
the conditions may be," Davutoglu said.
"Since the Kars Treaty, Turkey and Armenia have signed the first
different document. The protocol signed defined Turkish-Armenian
relations and placed relations within a frame. Once the protocols
go into effect, relations between Turkey and Armenia will be
normalized. The protocols will facilitate greater cooperation
between Turkey and Armenia at international forums and will help end
mutual pre-conceived notions in the minds of our peoples. Turkey has
confidence in itself. The engine of surrounding countries is Turkey. We
do not want a poor neighbor. Our neighbor should get richer but should
have respect for the rights of another neighbor," Davutoglu said.
"The Treaty of Kars was one that defined the borders o not lose
legitimacy even if the governments do not exist any more. The protocol
signed on Saturday has a provision that refers to recognition of the
existing borders (between Turkey and Armenia). We have no concerns
about it," he concluded, World Bulletin reported.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
