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Erdogan: We will not reopen the borders with Armenia unless Nagorno Karabakh conflict is solved

11 April 2009 08:46 (UTC +04:00)

After visiting Antakyad municipality, Erdogan, who is on leave at present, answered journalistsâ€™ questions about the reports on the reopening of Turkey-Armenia borders. He said that Turkey and Armenia could hold negotiations on the basic principles.
â€œBut it depends on the settlement of Nagorno Karabakh conflict. We will not sign a final deal with Armenia unless there is agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia on Nagorno Karabakh,â€ he said.

Erdogan also took a stance on Armenian President Serzh Sarkisianâ€™s statement that the borders might be reopened by October.
Sarkisian had said Turkey-Armenia border, closed since 1993, might be reopened by October. He had expressed his hope that he would go to watch October 7 match between the national teams of Turkey and Armenia in 2010 World Championship qualifying by crossing the border.

Erdogan said the presidentâ€™s watching a football match had nothing to do with the reopening of the borders.
â€œDoes Turkish Presidentâ€™s watching the match with Armenia mean the reopening of the borders? Is it possible?â€ he said.