Ahmet Davutoglu: Turkey-Armenia relations entered a new period

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.