Armenia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nalbandyan summarized the new period of relations with Turkey, when a question from Turkish daily newspaper Sabah; "What about the opposition" was answered; "Somebody needs to conduct leadership."
By way of football diplomacy, hopes are branching out as Turkish-Armenian relations continue to become closer.
Taking on the term presidency for the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC), as well as to conduct a number of official meetings, Armenia Foreign Affairs Minister, Edward Nalbandyan arranged a special reception for journalists upon his arrival in Turkey yesterday. Nalbandyan answered a question; "In your nation's press, the steps Turkey has taken within the framework of the Armenian Diaspora are represented as being far from sincere, and in fact are considered by some to be a part of a game to lift the obstacles towards EU membership. How will you handle these adverse comments during this process of normalization of relations?" Nalbandyan answered: "Their may be some in both Turkey and in Armenia that do not want relations to normalize. At this point those that are stronger than politics alongside political leaders will step in. There are decisions to be made by these leaders regarding both countries' national interests. From our perspective, this is what we are doing. EU membership being a national aim is naturally Turkey's priority and a situation that Armenia supports."
FOR OUR MUTUAL INTERESTS
Emphasizing that there were no problems that could hinder closer relations between Turkey and Armenia, the Armenian minister stated; "The invitation to the national match is an important step for us. We are going to see this as an opportunity to take advantage of. In terms of opening up the borders we are ready to open up a new unconditional white page. This is a vision dictated by the countries national interests and the needs of the region and is not due to one side doing the other side a favor." Upon a question from a journalist; Nalbandyan stated that Sarkisyan has indeed accepted the invitation made by President Abdullah Gul to join him in watching the football game between the two nations that will be played in Istanbul. Nalbandyan stated, "Our President will be in Istanbul for the game." As for the Karabakh issue in Azerbaycan, Nalbandyan stated this is a first for discussions and further commented; "This is a step taken on a positive route. More will come." Stating that being the term president for BSEC is even more important responsibility in this time of global crisis, Nalbandyan answered a question regarding the organization's members relations, especially between Russia and Georgia and Turkey and Armenia, he stated; "Economic cooperation will provide an opportunity to deal with some of these issues."
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