“Armenia opening,” initialized by Turkey within the frames of “zero problems with neighbours” foreign policy principle, is going to reshape the future of the region.
There are different reactions to the initiative that is prepared as a
Speaking about the soccer game between Turkish and Armenian national teams, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said, “Our President went to Armenia, and showed his attitude towards peace. Now its Armenian President’s turn. He will show to the international public opinion that how they are close or distant to the peace.”
Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu gave information about the recent progress in the relations between Turkey and Armenia in European Union Foreign Ministers Summit in Stockholm.
On the other hand, Azerbaijan relies on Turkey about consideration of its interests in the process of normalization of relations between Turkey and Armenia. Azerbaijan wants Turkey not to open borders with Armenia unless Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is resolved.
Speaking about the issue, Azerbaijani ambassador to Turkey Zakir Hashimov said, “Everything may happen but there are conditions. Armenia should recognize Turkey’s territorial integrity and should give up the claims of so called Armenian genocide. Karabakh conflict should be resolved. And after that sides can negotiate.”
Opposition’s harsh reaction against government’s Armenia diplomacy is continued.
Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) Group Deputy Chairman Mehmet Shandir, “I invite Prime Minister Erdogan to keep his word. He promised that the state border between Turkey and Armenia will not be opened untill the occupation in Nagorno-Karabakh and the seven surrounding regions is ended.”
On the other hand, Head of Armenia's European Friends Group Michael Kempek suggested nomination of President Abdullah Gul and Armenian President Serzh Sarksyan for Nobel Peace Award because of their efforts towards normalization of relations between Turkey and Armenia.
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