President Sezer: Turkey Aims To Normalize Relations With Armenia

Sezer addressed Parliamentary General Assembly on the occasion of opening of New Legislative Year.

Sezer said, ”however, reaching this goal depends on Armenia’s efforts to cover a foreign policy in line with principles of law, and to solve problems with its neighbors.” Sezer said Armenia should make its last choice to reconcile with its past, and leave judgement of history to historians.

President Sezer said such a positive development would have a concrete contribution to the stability and prosperity of whole southern Caucasus region.

Sezer said relations with Iran developed on the basis of not interfering with each others’ internal affairs, and mutual respect, stating that, ”it is pleasing that Turkish-Iranian relations improved particularly after election of Khatami as President. I believe that we may benefit more from the cooperation facilities between the two countries.”

Sezer said high ranking relations with Syria contributed further improvement of bilateral cooperation, stating that it was pleasing that security cooperation between Turkey and Syria continued under the basis of Adana Agreement.

Stressing that Middle East was going through a sensitive period in which important developments were experienced, Sezer said negative developments in Israeli-Palestinian problem caused both sides great sufferings.

Sezer said Road Map which was prepared aiming to enliven Middle East peace process was accepted by the Israeli and Palestinian authorities and that this was a pleasing development, stating that this increased hope for peace.

Sezer said the sides should be moderate and continue dialogue for peace, and that this was important to install a lasting peace in the region.

Sezer said past experiences showed that it was impossible to find a way of solution other than peaceful methods.

President Sezer said Turkish-Russian relations gained momentum in the past 12 years, stating that Turkey was in close cooperation with Russia extending from energy to tourism.

Sezer said, ”we will not be contended with the level reached in relations with Russia. We are willing to deepen relations with Russia under the basis of mutual interest.”

Sezer also said improvement of relations with China was important.