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ANKARA: Blacksea Partnership & Dialogue Forum Starts

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  • ANKARA: Blacksea Partnership & Dialogue Forum Starts

    BLACKSEA PARTNERSHIP & DIALOGUE FORUM STARTS

    Anatolian Times, Turkey
    June 6 2006

    BUCHAREST - "To settle problems we have with our neighbors is the
    main policy of Turkish government," Turkish State Minister Besir
    Atalay said on Monday in Bucharest, Romania, where he attend the
    "Black Sea Partnership & Dialogue Forum".

    Asked about efforts of Turkey to normalize relations with Armenia,
    Atalay said, "many problems have been solved with neighbors --mainly
    Greece and Syria. There are some known problems with Armenia. Turkey
    wishes Armenia to act reasonably and try to normalize relations."

    Atalay said preparations were underway regarding the 4th round of
    talks (at deputy undersecretary level) between Turkey and Armenia,
    but noted that he is unable to give a firm timetable for the moment.

    -COOPERATION IN BLACK SEA-

    Speaking to reporters at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport prior to
    his departure, Atalay said this new initiative aimed at boosting
    cooperation in the Black sea.

    "Turkey is for the improvement of stability, friendship and welfare
    in the Black Sea," Atalay said, noting that, "Black Sea has become
    a very important region particularly in the past 20 years. Istanbul
    Strait, which is the only exit point of the Black Sea, is in Turkey.

    What Turkey would say pertaining to Black Sea is important,"
    he reaffirmed.

    Atalay said, "Black Sea Economic Cooperation Council is the actual
    platform of the Black Sea. It has already been a regional organization
    and Turkey pioneered for the establishment of this organization,
    which has its HQs in Istanbul."

    -ALIYEV-KOCHARIAN MEETING

    Commenting on the meeting between Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev
    and Armenian President Robert Kocharian in Bucharest aiming to find a
    peaceful solution to the problem of Upper Karabakh (Azeri territory
    under Armenian occupation), Atalay said Turkey is for a dialogue
    between the two countries.

    Azerbaijan, Armenia, Moldova, Georgia, and Ukraine join the forum in
    presidential level. Greece is represented by Public Order Minister
    and Bulgaria is represented by its deputy prime minister.

    Besides the Black Sea littoral states, representatives from EU member
    countries, United States, Norway, Israel and some international
    organizations participate in the meeting.

    Atalay is expected to return to Turkey late on Monday.
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