GUL RESPONDS TO SARGSYAN’S STATEMENT
Tert.am
15:31 11.02.10
Turkish President Abdullah Gul issued a formal (and longer) statement
in response to Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan’s inflight message
to him sent earlier this week.
The letter, as published on the Turkish government’s official site
and available in English, reads:
"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 neighbouring Armenia.
"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 region.
Overcoming the long-established prejudices and nurturing mutual
understanding and trust among our two neighbouring 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 toward 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."