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  • Gul: Unacceptable To Occupy Lands

    GUL: UNACCEPTABLE TO OCCUPY LANDS

    http://www.lragir.am/engsrc/politics-lrahos 15603.html
    18:00:04 - 19/10/2009

    In its efforts to normalize relations with Armenia, Turkey does not
    have in mind its European Union accession bid but peace in the region,
    said President Abdullah Gul in an interview with a French magazine.

    Peace in the region will bring development and prosperity in return,
    he believes In an interview with French magazine L'Express, President
    Abdullah Gul said that if there was security in the Caucasus, there
    could be stability, development and prosperity in the region.

    Turkey and Armenia signed two protocols in Zurich on Oct. 10, aimed
    to normalize relations between the two countries. U.S., Russian,
    and European officials were also present at the signing. Gul said
    there was no foreign pressure on Turkey to sign the protocols. "Our
    policy is to bring stability and security to the region, maintain
    good relations with our neighbors, and solve problems that were left
    on the shelf. Having said that, we are grateful to those who helped
    us establish this process."

    Instead of international pressure, Gul said the driving force behind
    the singing of the protocol was to bring stability and development
    to the region.

    "If security is introduced to the Caucasus, there will also be
    stability and, hence, development and prosperity. The Cold War is
    over. Everyone wants to satisfy his own people and take the path of
    cooperation," said Gul. "Dormant wars can heat up any time. We have
    seen this happen between Russia and Georgia. Issues in the Caucasus
    should be resolved."

    Gul said the border between Turkey and Armenia would open once the
    protocols are approved by each country's parliament and signed by the
    foreign ministers. He said the process foresees normalization in all
    fields and the project for peace, cooperation, and stabilization in
    the Caucasus also includes Armenia.

    Asked whether Turkey has made concessions in the protocols, Gul said
    he did not want to think of it in these terms, as it would not bring
    peace. "It is necessary to have long-term and broad vision."

    He said he does not believe that the protocols freezing the
    Nagorno-Karabakh issue are a concession on the part of Turkey. "The
    fact that a country is occupying the territory of another country
    is unacceptable. Therefore, that issue should be resolved through
    dialogue," said Gul. He asked: "Why would Armenia and Azerbaijan not
    be able to improve their relationship?"

    Reminded that there have been reactions from the Armenian diaspora
    against the protocols for "failing to mention" the events of 1915 and
    asked whether he thought this would weaken the effect of the protocols,
    Gul said: "It is not for me to rule on disputes among Armenians."

    He said: "But I want to issue a call for cooperation. The Armenians
    living in France are far from Armenia. If they want to lend their
    support to the Armenians of Armenia, they must support the process."

    Gul said dwelling constantly on the recollection of past hostilities
    would not allow for peace and cooperation. "If we lived constantly on
    the recollection of past hostilities, never would France and Germany
    have reconciled. And Europe would not have advanced toward unity as
    it has today."

    Gul said there were different interpretations of the 1915 events. "But
    we show our confidence in ourselves by opening our archives, including
    military archives. Let a committee of historians, even experts of the
    subject from third countries, work on this issue. We will recognize
    its conclusions," said Gul.

    He said Turkey did not have its European Union accession bid in mind
    in its relations with Armenia. "While conducting our policy vis-a-vis
    Armenia, we absolutely do not have the European Union in mind,"
    said Gul. the Hurriat informs.
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