Giving a lecture at a conference over Turkish Foreign Policy in the Institute of International Relations at Moscow Public University, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Turkey makes bold steps towards normalization of relations between Turkey and Armenia.
Erdogan said, “The protocols we signed in Zurich are concrete signals of our steps. On the other hand, deoccupation of Azerbaijani lands and achievement of a permanent peace in Azerbaijani-Armenian dispute is vital. And at that point, the responsibilities of OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs; United States, France and Russia are so big. In my opinion, these countries should do their duties. Because the process is continued since 20 years. Karabakh conflict could not be solved since 20 years.
And OSCE Minsk Group was established for this purpose. So, they should achieve peace by hook or by crook. And in my opinion, especially Russia can be so active and take very important role in the resolution of problem. This issue will be one of the issues we will handle in our meetings with Russian officials. Because, as you know, Armenia holds Nagorno-Karabakh under occupation. There is decision of UN on the issue andUN defines the action as occupation. Therefore, Armenia should immediatelyobey the fair decision of UN... I believe Turkey-Armenia relations has a positive future. There will be very positive developments...”
