Erdogan called for speedy settlement of NKR conflict

PanARMENIAN.Net - "Time has come to put an end to Karabakh conflict, a factor that impedes regional development. I have optimistic attitude towards Armenian and Azeri Presidents' upcoming meeting in St. Petersburg. Everything depends on Armenia and OSCE MG Co-Chairs who have committed themselves to conflict settlement," Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced on public TV.



Karabakh conflict, according to the Turkish official, is Turkey's problem as well. "We directly announced it to our Russian, American and European partners, calling on them to settle the conflict within shortest time-limits. It's the main problem impeding regional development. Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan, Baku-Tbilisi-Erzrum and Baku-Tbilisi-Kars pipelines, as well as Nabucco project testify to our close ties with Azerbaijan. Good circulation between our states has already exceeded the sum of USD 2 billion. Turkish investments in Azerbaijan's oil sector comprise USD 3 billion. The only problem we have is Karabakh issue; its solution requires international community's firm position. We want Co-Chairs to realize their share of responsibility," Erdogan stressed.



Turkish Prime Minister also emphasized army's role in Turkish society's life, reminding one's again that his country was an energy corridor between Middle East, the Caspian Sea and the West.