Turkish Premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who participated in the Global Nuclear Security Summit in Washington, had a meeting with journalists. Specifically, he expressed confidence that U.S. President Barack Obama will not say the word “genocide” in his April 24 speech. As regards the phrase “without preconditions” in the Armenia-Turkey Protocols, he offered his own interpretation.

The Turkish Premier recalled that Senior Advisor Feridun Sinirlioglu arrived in Armenia with messages a week ago, and the details were discussed in Washington with RA President Serzh Sargsyan. Considering the course of relevant negotiations, the sides will decide on which of the “road maps” to move forward, Haberturk reported, referring to Erdogan.

One of the journalists reminded of RA President’s last speech, that says Armenia will not allow Turkey to set preconditions. Replying to a question on opening of the Armenian-Turkish border, Erdogan said that beyond the phrase “without preconditions” the Armenia-Turkey Protocols contain the phrase “to establish peace in the region.” In this context, can Azerbaijan be left aside, Erdogan asked. Azerbaijan is an important part of peace in the region. First, what was the reason for Turkish-Armenian border closure in 1993? The Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict and “annexation,” Erdogn said, answering his own question. Turkey believes the border could be reopened if relevant agreements were reached and necessary conditions for peace in the region provided. The OSCE Minsk Group has a most important duty to perform. Russia, the United States and France are now actively dealing with the issue, Erdogan added, pointing out that he discussed the issue with RF President Dmitry Medvedev. He voiced the opinion that the outcome will be reached if the necessary activities are intensified. No ratification schedule exists, and it is only positive developments outside Turkey that can facilitate the Parliament’s relevant activities, the Turkish Premier stated.

T.P.