RA MFA: Armenia, Turkey to establish diplomatic relations

PanARMENIAN.Net - Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian said the RA will continue negotiations for normalization of relations between Turkey and Armenia.



"Active dialogue, which started early September when Turkish President Gul paid a visit to Armenia, will be continued. I don't see any serious obstacle for normalizing our relations. Our position implies normalization of relations and opening of the border without any preconditions, Armenia is ready to do that and we wait for Turkey to do the same. Armenia is interested in establishment of diplomatic relations with Turkey. There are many countries in state of war, which have diplomatic relations and are open to each other," he said in Istanbul during the meeting of the BSEC Secretariat.



"My optimism originates from the negotiations with the Turkish side; we started negotiations immediately after the visit of the Turkish President of in September. We had very constructive, very interesting and frank discussions," he said.



Commenting on the possibility of direct flights to be exercised by Turkish Airlines, Minister Nalbandian said, "I came directly from Yerevan. So if THY decides to have own direct flights to Armenia, why not? It would be very useful for business and tourism between two countries."



He also voiced hope that Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan will be in Istanbul in October 2009 for Turkey-Armenia return soccer match.