28.04.2004 14:54:00 GMT
Turkey ready to broaden relations with Armenia
Moscow. April 28 (Interfax) – Turkey is prepared to broaden relations with
Armenia, if that country shows it is willing to expand contacts with Turkey,
Turkish Ambassador to Russia Kurtulus Taskent told a press conference in
Moscow on Wednesday.
“We would like to establish good relations with Armenia,” he said.
However, he expressed regret that Armenia has territorial claims against
Turkey. “Of course, no one is strong enough to take away territory from
Turkey,” he said.
If all these aspects in Armenia’s policy regarding Turkey are settled,
relations will develop intensively, the ambassador said.
One cannot say that there are no relations at all between Turkey and
Armenia. “They do exist and the leaders of both countries meet and discuss
their future. Business contacts are being maintained, as well,” he said.
He said that Turkey was one of the first countries to recognize Armenia’s
independence. “We would like to develop our relations with Armenia the way
we do with other countries,” Taskent said.