2009 can mark a turning point in Turkey-Armenia relations, Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babacan said in his interview with CNN Turk in Davos. "If problems in Turkey-Armenia ties are solved this year, it will not be surprise for me," Babacan said.
Armenian-Turkish ties have been severed since 1993 because of Armenia's "genocide" claims and occupation of 20% of Azerbaijani lands. Turkish President Abdullah Gul visited Yerevan on September 6, 2008 at the invitation of his Armenian counterpart Serzh Sarkisyan to watch Armenia-Turkey football match within the European Cup. Efforts have been made since then to normalize ties between the two countries.
Babacan said the sides should keep their political will to the end in an effort to normalize relations. Turkey has such a will, he said.
Minister said Armenia also has political will and it must stay committed to his position.
Babacan said he backs resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh problem as soon as possible.