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E.P.'S DECISIONS ARE NOT BINDING, ERDOGAN
Turkish Press, MI
Sept 11 2006
ANKARA - "The resolutions adopted by the European Parliament (EP)
are not binding. We have not accepted anything about the so-called
Armenian genocide. Our stance on that issue is obvious," said Turkish
PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Erdogan held a joint press conference with his Albanian counterpart
Sali Berisha after their bilateral meeting in Turkish capital of
Ankara.
Referring to the report on Turkey's progress towards accession adopted
by the EP's Committee on Foreign Affairs last night, Erdogan said,
"asking us to change our stance is nothing but a dream."
-TURKEY DOES NOT HAVE PROBLEMS WITH CITIZENS OF ARMENIAN ORIGIN-
Emphasizing that Turkey does not have any problem with its citizens of
Armenian origin, Erdogan said, "we told them 'to open their archives'
since we are opening ours. We also suggested that art historians,
lawyers, political scientists and archeologists should deal with this
matter. Our Foreign Ministry is handling necessary initiatives."
-MEETING WITH BERISHA-
Noting that they discussed with Albanian PM Sali Berisha recent
developments in the Balkans, Erdogan said, "stability and prosperity
are enforced in the region where clashes and wars were common in
the past. Albania's policy is a positive one as far as our region
is concerned. As two important regional countries we have agreed to
exert efforts to build confidence in the Balkans."
"Today important developments are being observed in Kosovo. Not only
Albania but also Turkey has close historical, cultural and humanitarian
ties with Kosovo. During our meeting, we underlined importance of a
multi-cultural, multi-ethnic and democratic Kosovo, which is committed
to European and universal values. We also think that in Kosovo,
the rights of the minority should be taken under guarantee," he stated.
-MILITARY RELATIONS-
Stressing that Turkey supports Albania's adherence to NATO, Erdogan
said, "we think that this will contribute to lasting peace and
stability in the Balkans. We are lobbying for this membership, as we
have done so far."
-ALBANIAN PM CALLS ON TURKISH BUSINESSMEN TO INVEST IN HIS COUNTRY-
On the other hand, PM Berisha called on Turkish businessmen to invest
in his country.
On Cyprus, Berisha noted, "referendum was a chance, but it was missed"
and expressed belief that PM Erdogan and his government will contribute
to a new process (in the island).
Turkish Press, MI
Sept 11 2006
ANKARA - "The resolutions adopted by the European Parliament (EP)
are not binding. We have not accepted anything about the so-called
Armenian genocide. Our stance on that issue is obvious," said Turkish
PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Erdogan held a joint press conference with his Albanian counterpart
Sali Berisha after their bilateral meeting in Turkish capital of
Ankara.
Referring to the report on Turkey's progress towards accession adopted
by the EP's Committee on Foreign Affairs last night, Erdogan said,
"asking us to change our stance is nothing but a dream."
-TURKEY DOES NOT HAVE PROBLEMS WITH CITIZENS OF ARMENIAN ORIGIN-
Emphasizing that Turkey does not have any problem with its citizens of
Armenian origin, Erdogan said, "we told them 'to open their archives'
since we are opening ours. We also suggested that art historians,
lawyers, political scientists and archeologists should deal with this
matter. Our Foreign Ministry is handling necessary initiatives."
-MEETING WITH BERISHA-
Noting that they discussed with Albanian PM Sali Berisha recent
developments in the Balkans, Erdogan said, "stability and prosperity
are enforced in the region where clashes and wars were common in
the past. Albania's policy is a positive one as far as our region
is concerned. As two important regional countries we have agreed to
exert efforts to build confidence in the Balkans."
"Today important developments are being observed in Kosovo. Not only
Albania but also Turkey has close historical, cultural and humanitarian
ties with Kosovo. During our meeting, we underlined importance of a
multi-cultural, multi-ethnic and democratic Kosovo, which is committed
to European and universal values. We also think that in Kosovo,
the rights of the minority should be taken under guarantee," he stated.
-MILITARY RELATIONS-
Stressing that Turkey supports Albania's adherence to NATO, Erdogan
said, "we think that this will contribute to lasting peace and
stability in the Balkans. We are lobbying for this membership, as we
have done so far."
-ALBANIAN PM CALLS ON TURKISH BUSINESSMEN TO INVEST IN HIS COUNTRY-
On the other hand, PM Berisha called on Turkish businessmen to invest
in his country.
On Cyprus, Berisha noted, "referendum was a chance, but it was missed"
and expressed belief that PM Erdogan and his government will contribute
to a new process (in the island).