During his visit to Azerbaijan, Turkish President Abdullah Gul did not make any specific statements on the possible reopening of the Armenian-Turkish border for September 11-17, when NATO military maneuvers are to be held, reported Novruz Mamedov, Head of the Foreign Relations Department, Azerbaijani presidential administration. 

Official Baku does not think Ankara will make such a step. “In any case, Azerbaijan is hopeful,” he said.

Turkey does not state any specific position. No plans have so far been announced. NATO has been delaying the issue for several months. Turkey once stated its negative attitude at the foreign ministers’ level. In Baku the Turkish leader gave a conceptual rather than a specific answer to the question. “The development of our relations inspires hope that Turkey will not reopen borders with Armenia even during the maneuvers,” Mamedov said as quoted by Day.az.

The Turkish Foreign Minister recently stated Turkey would not reopen the border during NATO maneuvers. He discussed the issue with his Azerbaijani counterpart Elmar Mammadyarov and underlined the impossibility of reopening the border.

However, Minister Davutoglu confirmed he had sent an enquiry to the Kars Governor to find out how much time was needed to prepare temporary reopening of the border.

Turkey does not rule out temporary reopening of the border during NATO maneuvers to be held in Armenia September 11 to 17, 2010.