Ahmet Davutoglu: Turkey-Armenia relations entered a new periodOctober 12, 2009 - 11:04 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said Sunday the crisis experienced yesterday in Zurich prior to the ceremony of signing the protocols between Turkey and Armenia was "a procedural matter". Speaking on Turkey's state-run TRT TV channel on Sunday, Davutoglu said that the signing of the protocols was a "crucial step". The protocols are a reflection of Turkey's peaceful vision, Davutoglu stressed. "The crisis lived prior to the signature ceremony was a natural component of the process. The crisis was a procedural issue. It concerned statements to be made during the ceremony and was overcome after both sides agreed not to make remarks," Davutoglu said. "Turkey's perspective is comprehensive peace. This would be possible if all sides tackle problems in a just and equal way," he noted. "Relations between Turkey and Armenia have entered a new period. With this new period, people of Turkey and Armenia will be able to understand each other more accurately." At that the Turkish FM emphasized that resolution of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict is crucial and Turkey has taken relevant steps. "It is out of question for Turkey to leave Azerbaijan alone whatever the conditions may be," Davutoglu said. "Since the Kars Treaty, Turkey and Armenia have signed the first different document. The protocol signed defined Turkish-Armenian relations and placed relations within a frame. Once the protocols go into effect, relations between Turkey and Armenia will be normalized. The protocols will facilitate greater cooperation between Turkey and Armenia at international forums and will help end mutual pre-conceived notions in the minds of our peoples. Turkey has confidence in itself. The engine of surrounding countries is Turkey. We do not want a poor neighbor. Our neighbor should get richer but should have respect for the rights of another neighbor," Davutoglu said. "The Treaty of Kars was one that defined the borders. Such treaties do not lose legitimacy even if the governments do not exist any more. The protocol signed on Saturday has a provision that refers to recognition of the existing borders (between Turkey and Armenia). We have no concerns about it," he concluded, World Bulletin reported. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. Czech-Armenian military cooperation discussed in Yerevan A delegation led by the Director General for the Industrial Cooperation Division of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic visited Armenia. |