Turkish Foreign Minister: Turkey is willing to establish friendly ties with Armenia

PanARMENIAN.Net - Turkey is willing to establish friendly ties with neighboring Armenia, adding the caveat that this would not be possible without the full cooperation of both sides. Asked about implications for Turkish-Armenian relations following the assassination of Turkish-Armenian journalist Hrant Dink, Gül said, "Turkey aspires to enjoy friendly ties with all of its neighbors on the basis of mutual trust and respect and we want to establish ties with Armenia as well." Gül stressed that Turkey had no hostility toward any of its neighbors but said that establishing friendly ties was only possible with steps from both sides, adding that Armenia should review its thoughts and feelings toward Turkey.



"The funeral of slain Turkish-Armenian journalist Hrant Dink on Tuesday brought Turks and Armenians together. Armenian government officials and moderate figures from the Armenian Diaspora attended the funeral at the invitation of the Turkish government. "Representatives from Armenia came and saw; Turkey has no hostility toward anyone," Gül said. But he noted that Armenia should not come up with unfair demands from Turkey - such as the recognition by Ankara of the alleged genocide of Armenians at the hands of Ottoman Empire - in return for normalization of bilateral ties, reports Turkish Daily News.