Turkish politician called to suspend issuing visas for Armenian citizens

PanARMENIAN.Net - Turkish Republic Popular Party member, parliamentarian Shukru Elekdag has condemned Armenia for denying visas to Turkish representatives of the OSCE, who were expected to observe parliamentary elections in the country.



MP said Turkey should suspend granting visa to Armenian citizens as a reply.



"On one hand Armenia demands to open borders with Turkey, but on the other hand it denies visas to Turkish representatives. Armenia thinks Turkey is afraid of European Union, as well as the U.S. But Ankara is to react to this by all means. Armenian citizens shouldn't receive visas for a month. It should be Turkey's message that it is always ready to reply properly. We have to take appropriate measures if we respect ourselves. Armenia doesn't want Turkey to observe the current situation in the country," he said.



"The OSCE should refuse to observe the elections as Turkish parliamentarians fail to get visas", he claimed, APA reports.



Armenia has rejected to issue visas for 8 Turkish observers. Vladimir Karapetian, Spokesman for the Armenian Foreign Ministry said that visas cannot be issued due to absence of diplomatic relations between Armenia and Turkey. The OSCE/ODIHR voiced discontent with Armenia's refusal to host Turkish observers.