The normalization of the Turkish-Armenian relations has no connection with country’s accession to the European Union, Turkish President Abdullah Gul said in an interview CNN Türk.
“Turkish-Armenian, North Cyprus questions have no connection with Turkey’s accession to the EU,” Gul said.
Turkish and Armenian foreign ministers Ahmet Davutoglu and Edward Nalbandian signed the Ankara-Yerevan protocols in Zurich on Oct. 10.
Diplomatic relations between Armenia and Turkey have been broken due to Armenia’s claims of an alleged genocide, and its occupation of Azerbaijani lands. The border between them has been broken since 1993. In addition to the so-called “Armenian genocide” in 1915, Armenia has voiced territorial claims on TurkishAnatolia.
Gul also said that some forces in Europe intend to exploit Turkey, stating that these problems present obstacle to Ankara’s accession to the EU.
Gul said that Turkey wants to solve these problems even if the country would not have the question of membership to the EU.
Gul also stated that the existence of stability and peace in Caucasus is very important.
“Caucasus should not be a wall dividing East and West, the protracted conflicts should be resolved in the region,” Gul said.
According to the President, Turkey pursues transparent policy in the region.
