TURKISH MEDIA EXPECT PRIME MINISTER STATEMENT ON RELATIONS WITH ARMENIA SOON

PanARMENIAN.Net - Should one henceforth expect more steadfast attention of the European Union to the development of the Turkish-Armenian relations? As reported by "Arminfo" agency, "Hurriet" Turkish newspaper asks this question implying the report on Turkey approved by the Europarliament last week that includes a call to Ankara "to remove the embargo of Armenia and begin a dialogue to overcome problems arisen between Turks and Armenians in the past." It should be reminded that the initial version of the report arranged by Europarliament member Ari Oostlander contained also a call upon Turkey to recognize the Armenian Genocide, however, it was withdrawn from the final draft put to vote. The newspaper also cites the opinion of chairman of the Armenian-Turkish Business Development Council Kaan Soyak, according to which "since 2001 the issue of the Turkish-Armenian relations has been on the agenda of the European Parliament," but from the beginning of this year European parliamentarians became still more interested in the issue. It rides on the fact that one of the preconditions for accession to the European Union is good relations with neighbors. In conclusion, resting on data available, the newspaper did not rule out that Turkish prime minister Recep Erdogan would address "a positive message on relations with Armenia" during his tour of Kars June 25.