Mustafa Bash, the head of the Turkish delegation at the Black Sea Economic Co-operation (BSEC), stated during talks with journalists in Baku that the absence of Armenia in a BSEC meeting in Baku is an internal issue, Trendreports.
He noted that the development of co-operation amongst the countries, the resolution of problems, the achievement of progress in the region and the participation of all countries in the region, would be important, as well as the participation of Armenians at such meetings would be advantageous once the problems have been resolved, the Turkish MP stressed.
Turkey has voiced its position on the issue and in respect to Azerbaijan and the European Union. The EU sets a condition for Turkey on the rehabilitation of relationships with Armenia. However, we urge that the territorial integrity of all countries should be ensured and the territory of foreign countries should not be occupied, the Turkish delegate stated.
Bash said that Armenia is one of 12 countries of the BSEC, but it does not participate in the meeting because of failure to solve the existing problems and as a result, is suffering from economic problems. Steps taken by Armenia to resolve the conflicts with Azerbaijan and Turkey will be to their benefit, he added.