Gul decries "frozen" problems in the caucasus

President Abdullah Gul yesterday went to Bahrain at the invitation of Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa. Speaking to reporters in Ankara before the trip, Gul called problems in the Caucasus "frozen," including the Georgia problem, the Nagorno-Karabakh issue, and relations between Turkey and Armenia. "When problems remain unresolved, they can spark into conflict," he added. Stating that the sides should reach agreements to normalize relations, he pointed to the Caucasus stability and cooperation platform proposed by Turkey after last summer's conflict over Georgia. Gul said that Turkey is also working to solve issues between Azerbaijan and Armenia. After Gul was greeted by Al-Khalifa at the airport, the two held a meeting at the Gudabia Palace. Afterwards, Gul said that neither wealth nor happiness can be assured without security and stability. Al-Khalifa also hosted a dinner in Gul's honor.