ALI BABACAN: “TURKEY-ARMENIA RELATIONS CANNOT BE IMAGINED WITHOUT AZERBAIJAN”

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ALI BABACAN: “TURKEY-ARMENIA RELATIONS CANNOT BE IMAGINED WITHOUT AZERBAIJAN”

Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babacan visiting New-York to participate in the 63rd session of UN General Assembly made a keynote speech at Council of Foreign Relations, APA reports quoting Dogan news agency.

Babacan touched upon relations with Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia, Iraq, Cyprus problems, EU membership, and anti-American mood increased in Turkey lately and other issues. Babacan noted that Turkey’s relations with Armenia could not be imagined without the participation of Azerbaijan. He added that Turkey closed its borders with Armenia, because of occupation of Azerbaijani lands by Armenia. The Minister noted that he had proposed to ministers of two countries to hold trilateral meeting and this meeting would be held soon.
Asked when Turkish soldiers will be withdrawn from Cyprus, Babacan stated that Turkish soldiers would stay at island as long as necessary.
“If Greek Cypriots adopt Annan Plan, the number of Turkish soldiers will be cut. We should not forget that there are Greek soldiers at island. Annan plan was for decrease of military contingent in two sides. But Greeks said “no”, he said.
Babacan noted that disbelief against the US felt in Turkey is linked with developments in Iraq.
“Finding US-made ammunition from PKK terrorists, seizing arms by terrorists caused serious dissatisfaction in Turkey. But it cannot last for a long time. Italy once approached sympathy to terrorists . This action was boycotted in Turkey. But the situation has changed and attitude towards Italy has been normalized in Turkey. After conducting exchange of information on intelligence with the US against PKK, public support for the US has increased by 12-13 percent”, he said.

New York-APA

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