TABDC; A Pressing Need for a New Momentum in the Dialogue Between Turkish and Armenian Leaders

Press Release

2004-05-05

Email : tabdc@tabdc.org

TABDC; A Pressing Need for a New Momentum in the Dialogue Between Turkish and Armenian Leaders

We, the Turkish-Armenian Business Development Council (TABDC), believe that it is time to pave the way for the multi-dimensional economic, political, commercial and cultural relations on the basis of good neighboring principles.

Turkey, looking forward to launching membership negotiations with the EU next year, is encouraged by EU to establish good neighborhood relations with her neighbors including Armenia. Turkey can contribute to the settlement of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and regional integration by establishing official relations with Armenia. The economic cost of the closed border is especially significant when assessed in terms of lost opportunities. Also the opening of the Turkish-Armenian border to cross-border cooperation is an important step taken forward in the path to regional peace and regional peace calls for solving bilateral problems.

There is a pressing need to take initiative for the permanent solution of our problems by actions on government level, as well as academic circles and NGOs. Henceforth, Turks and Armenians have to handle their problems sincerely and bravely within a broad framework, including not only yesterday but also today and tomorrow.

We call Turkish and Armenian leaders to give a new momentum to the process of dialogue. We remain committed to increase interactions between our two nations and believe in diplomacy supported by democratic constituencies throughout the region.

Sincerely,

Turkish-Armenian Business Development Council

___________________________________________________________________

TABDC (TURKEY): Barbaros Bulvarı Karadeniz Apt. 23/11

Beşiktaş-İstanbul/Türkiye Tel: 90 (212) 236 00 17 Fax: 90 (212) 259 72 51

TABDC (ARMENIA) :Tel: 374 (1) 35 11 80 Fax: 374 (1) 35 12 40

Email : tabdc@tabdc.org

Web site: www.tabdc.org

Other TABDC branches

TABDC EU(Belgium) :Tel : 32 (495) 77 08 67. Email : tabdc-eu@skynet.be.

TABDC (USA) :Tel: 1 (516) 869-7525 Fax: 1 (516) 365-0560