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APA, Azerbaijan
April 11 2009
Suleyman Demirel: I do not realize what Turkey will profit from
reopening borders with Armenia
[ 11 Apr 2009 16:15 ]
Baku ` APA. `The US, Europe and Russia want to solve their
geopolitical problems in the South Caucasus at the cost of reopening
Turkey-Armenia borders,' ex-president of Turkey Suleyman Demirel said
in his interview to the Milliyet newspaper, APA reports
. Ex-president said he did not realize Turkey's profit in that
situation.
Demirel underlined that during his presidency the US several times
offered to reopen Turkey-Armenia borders.
`Every time I asked what Turkey will profit from it. But they could
never answer my question,' he said.
Ex-president also clarified the causes why the US was interested in
improving Turkey-Armenia relations and reopening the borders.
`There are a lot of Armenian voters in the US. They also have strong
Diaspora. Moreover, the US does not want Armenia to be under the
influence of only Russia. So, the US tries to strengthen its positions
in Armenia with the help of Turkey. This will seriously damage the
positions of official Baku, because close relations between Armenia
and the US are not in favor of Azerbaijan. In this case, the solution
to the conflict will be protracted, this is equal to losing Nagorno
Karabakh,' he said.
Demirel considers that if Ankara really wants to be geopolitical
leader in the Caucasus, it should set such conditions and use its
influence so that in the initial stage the regions around Nagorno
Karabakh can be released.
`Turkey will profit nothing from improving relations with Armenia
unless the territories are released. Why to create other problems,
before solving one. It will favor only the US and Russia. Moreover,
Armenia has territorial claims against Turkey and does not give up
genocide allegations. Armenia has not recognized our borders, while we
recognize them. They have made Agri mountain as their symbol, killed
about 40 diplomats of Turkey. And now they say `You committed
genocide, apologize'. Some countries pass decisions on the so-called
genocide. I think Turkey need not improve relations with Armenia
unless the above-mentioned problems are solved,' he said.
Turkey closed the borders with Armenia in 1993 during Suleyman
Demirel's presidency.
April 11 2009
Suleyman Demirel: I do not realize what Turkey will profit from
reopening borders with Armenia
[ 11 Apr 2009 16:15 ]
Baku ` APA. `The US, Europe and Russia want to solve their
geopolitical problems in the South Caucasus at the cost of reopening
Turkey-Armenia borders,' ex-president of Turkey Suleyman Demirel said
in his interview to the Milliyet newspaper, APA reports
. Ex-president said he did not realize Turkey's profit in that
situation.
Demirel underlined that during his presidency the US several times
offered to reopen Turkey-Armenia borders.
`Every time I asked what Turkey will profit from it. But they could
never answer my question,' he said.
Ex-president also clarified the causes why the US was interested in
improving Turkey-Armenia relations and reopening the borders.
`There are a lot of Armenian voters in the US. They also have strong
Diaspora. Moreover, the US does not want Armenia to be under the
influence of only Russia. So, the US tries to strengthen its positions
in Armenia with the help of Turkey. This will seriously damage the
positions of official Baku, because close relations between Armenia
and the US are not in favor of Azerbaijan. In this case, the solution
to the conflict will be protracted, this is equal to losing Nagorno
Karabakh,' he said.
Demirel considers that if Ankara really wants to be geopolitical
leader in the Caucasus, it should set such conditions and use its
influence so that in the initial stage the regions around Nagorno
Karabakh can be released.
`Turkey will profit nothing from improving relations with Armenia
unless the territories are released. Why to create other problems,
before solving one. It will favor only the US and Russia. Moreover,
Armenia has territorial claims against Turkey and does not give up
genocide allegations. Armenia has not recognized our borders, while we
recognize them. They have made Agri mountain as their symbol, killed
about 40 diplomats of Turkey. And now they say `You committed
genocide, apologize'. Some countries pass decisions on the so-called
genocide. I think Turkey need not improve relations with Armenia
unless the above-mentioned problems are solved,' he said.
Turkey closed the borders with Armenia in 1993 during Suleyman
Demirel's presidency.