Barroso: Armenia-Turkey problems solvable with political courage

PanARMENIAN.Net - President of the European Commission said Thursday he hopes Turkish President's recent visit to Armenia gave a start of real dialogue.



Speaking to reporters after the talks with Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan in Brussels, Mr. Jose Manuel Barroso described Abdullah Gul's visit to Armenia as a remarkable event.



"I understand that problems between Turkey and Armenia are complicated, dramatic and quite sensitive but they can be overcome, with political courage," Barroso said, adding that establishing dialogue and reaching a consensus in the region is vital for the stability and prosperity of Europe, as both Turkey and Armenia are parts of the continent.



"Exchange of views between Turkish and Armenian officials will facilitate security of the Caucasus," he said.



Turkey's President Abdullah Gul was in Yerevan on Sept. 6 to watch a World Cup qualifier between the Armenian and Turkish national teams. Before the match, the heads of state discussed possibilities to normalize bilateral relations and said that the meeting will be an impetus for further dialogue between the two states.