Turkish PM: OSCE Minsk Group should intensify its work

Solving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and the Armenian-Turkish rapprochement were main issues during your talks with U.S. President Barack Obama. What was the reaction of the U.S. president on these questions?

We understood each other. Our policy is very open. We want to get rid of problems both in our region and worldwide. It is impossible to solve problems by predatory methods in the 21st century. As earlier, during the meetings with Obama and the other OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs, I told the Minsk Group openly that they should intensify their work.

Obama listened to your views on this issue, but on the other hand the Armenian diaspora also speaks often with the White House...

Unfortunately, there are still problems associated with the diaspora. But we must not listen to them. We have no problems with the Armenian people. They live in Turkey very quietly. Not everything should be solved based on the desires of the diaspora. The Armenian diaspora said Turkey committed a so-called "genocide." This question should be left to historians. I can say that my ancestors never committed any genocide. They could not commit a genocide. If the U.S. acts under the influence of the lobby, then this would be a big mistake.

Turkey assumed a major role in the region. The Turkish diaspora has great responsibility on this issue. The diaspora must not teach us how to build a relationship with someone. When the 21st century arrived, we dreamed about peace on the planet. But, unfortunately, this peace was shattered. Now we have the goal to unite in the struggle for peace. We have an expression: "If you always talk about honey, your mouth will not be sweet." One must eat this honey. I hope Obama will support our path.

Another regional topic during your meeting with Obama was Iran. What is the similar between your positions on this issue?

Iran is our neighbor. We are united by history and long-standing relations. Certainly, we must cooperate with Iran. I hope that Washington understands this, too. I openly said that Turkey can be the main entry to the region. There are many possibilities that should be taken into account. We are ready to render support in resolving this issue through diplomacy. From one hand, as for resolutions against Iran, countries join these resolutions, but on other hand, they continue to cooperate. Therefore, no one should call on us to refuse our ties with Iran.


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