FOREIGN MINISTER OF ARMENIA: TURKEY “REFUSED THE HAND”, EXTENDED BY PRESIDENT KOCHARIAN

19.09.2000, MEDIAMAX, YEREVAN. “The region continues to remain adversely affected by the lack of formal relations between Armenia and Turkey “, said Foreign Minister of Armenia Vardan Oskanian at the 55th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
The Minister stressed that although Armenia, from day one of its independence, opted for normalization of relations and establishment of diplomatic ties with Ankara, Turkey insisted and continues to insist on certain conditions related to Nagorno Karabakh and the recognition of the Armenian Genocide.
Vardan Oskanian said that on September 7, at the Summit, President Kocharian “extended a hand to our neighbor in order that we may together find a way to live with the truth of the past, without jeopardizing the promise of the future. Unfortunately, Turkey’s response indicated they continue to let the fear of history limit their freedom to act”. -0-