Gul, Erdogan hail historic Turkish-Armenian protocols, with warnings on Nagorno-Karabakh

Commenting on the signing of two landmark protocols between Turkey and Armenia in Zurich, Switzerland over the weekend towards establishing normalized bilateral relations, President Abdullah Gul said Turkey is working hard to reach comprehensive peace and stability in the Caucasus. Stating that this will take time, and difficulties remain ahead, Gul said, "But as long as there is a clear, robust political will towards this end, the goal can be achieved. This goal is the solution of all security problems in the region. These protocols are an important step forward for this." Gul also called on all parties to promote solving all problems in the region, referring to the Nagorno-Karabakh issue between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Gul also expressed hope that his Armenian counterpart Serzh Sargsyan will come to Turkey this Wednesday to watch a World Cup 2010 qualifying match between the Turkish and Armenian national teams without any preconditions, as Gul did last year for a game in Yerevan. Speaking to reporters after a meeting of the Central Executive Board of his ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party), Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomed the signing of the protocols, saying, "It was a significant step forward. We're pleased with that." He added, "Our political will is to resolve our problems with Armenia through dialogue. Then great opportunities for cooperation will emerge in all areas for the Turkish and Armenian peoples. Now we hope that Azerbaijan and Armenia will resolve the Upper Karabakh dispute. If this happens, our people will quickly adopt the normalization of Turkish-Armenian relations." Urging the Minsk Group to step up efforts to solve the Nagorno-Karabakh issue in line with international law, Erdogan said, "Turks and Armenians have lived side by side for centuries. Why should we be embroiled in bitter periods of history? We expect Armenia to fulfill the rules of international law. We want to make the southern Caucasus a region of permanent peace, friendship, stability and prosperity. But let me reiterate once again Turkey cannot assume a positive attitude unless Armenia withdraws from Azeri territories." Stressing that Turkey wants peace and stability to prevail across the Caucasus, Erdogan urged Armenia to comply with international law and meet its responsibilities to solve all problems in the region, thus helping make this vision real, and ensuring the simultaneous opening of borders among Turkey, Armenia and Azerbaijan.