ANKARA: Erdogan Speaks At A.K.P. Group Meeting In The Turkish

Turkish Press
May 11 2005

Erdogan Speaks At A.K.P. Group Meeting In The Turkish Parliament

ANKARA (AA) – Turkish Justice & Development Party (AKP) leader and
Premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan has stated today (Tuesday) that his
visit to Moscow to mark the 60th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi
Germany was very fruitful. ”I met and talked with almost 50 heads of
state in Moscow. Some of the topics I discussed were the Armenian
problem and Cyprus,” told Erdogan.
Erdogan indicated that face to face meetings are very important
in overcoming international problems.
”During our administration’s past two and a half years, we have
witnessed that face to face discussions are essential in wiping out
disagreements and finding solutions to disputes,” commented Erdogan.

Erdogan stressed that, during his meetings in Moscow, he
reminded many global leaders that they have been misinformed by
Armenians. ”When we reminded the position of our government and the
Turkish opposition, many leaders understood Turkey’s stance better,”
expressed Erdogan. ”The leaders I met, now, know that Turkey’s
approach to the Armenian issue is a just one and must be supported
globally,” added Erdogan.
According to Erdogan, diplomacy is an area that requires
experience. ”The leaders of a state also have an obligation to relay
the concerns of their people to other leaders. This is what we have
done in Moscow…” mentioned Erdogan.