Statements by U.S. Officials

Remarks by Daniel Fried Assistant Secretary of State for European and  Eurasian Affairs Following Meetings at The Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Ankara, March 16, 2006

ASSISTANT SECRETARY FRIED:  Thank you.  Merhaba.  My colleagues and I arrived this afternoon in Ankara after spending several days in the south Caucasus.  The purpose of our trip is principally to consult with our Turkish friends about south Caucasus issues, which we have done with Ambassador Tuygan and Ambassador Uzumcu.  We have had a good set of discussions today covering issues such as Nagorno Karabakh, energy and energy security.  We talked about the future of the south Caucasus region – a future that we want to see rooted in security, prosperity, democracy and settlement of all the regional conflicts peacefully – I emphasize, peacefully.  Together with Ambassador Mann, who is the American negotiator for Nagorno Karabakh issues,  we discussed the issue of Nagorno Karabakh after Rambouillet with President Aliyev in Baku, and today with President Kocharian in Yerevan.  We regretted, of course, that Rambouillet did not succeed, but based on our discussions we believe there is a basis to continue discussions of a solution, and we intend to do that working with the Minsk Group co-chairs.  I should say that we came out to the south Caucasus after consulting with the Minsk Group co-chairs, and with their support.  So I have had good discussions today.  I appreciate the courtesy of my Turkish hosts.  I have to add a personal note -- it is a pleasure to see the visible signs of Turkish economic growth and prosperity just on a brief drive in from the airport.  I was struck, because I have been before, by how good it looks, which gives me a great deal of hope for Turkey’s future and its European vocation.  So with that, my colleagues and I are happy to take some questions.

QUESTION:  Do you have any messages from Yerevan or from the US Administration with respect to Turkish-Armenian relations?

ASSISTANT SECRETARY FRIED:  We certainly hope that those relations improve.  We support the contacts that have taken place.  The Armenians’ position is well-known.  Of course they want to see improvements as soon as possible, as do we, and we are hopeful that this process can move forward. 

QUESTION:  Sir, how can Turkey contribute to the peace process in Nagorno Karabakh?

ASSISTANT SECRETARY FRIED:  By encouraging the Minsk Group process, Turkey has already helped.  I think that Turkey’s support for Azerbaijan is important to give Azerbaijan confidence as it looks to its future.  As Turkish-Armenian contacts continue, I think that this will also help Armenia have confidence about its future and its western border.  But I don’t need to go into the details.

QUESTION:  Did you raise the issue of opening the border in the meetings?

ASSISTANT SECRETARY FRIED:  Of course, we discussed the issue of Turkish-Armenian relations.  I think there is general agreement that these should move ahead in a positive direction.  There are a lot of issues to discuss.  I am relatively heartened by the fact that the Nagorno Karabakh discussions are in a position to move ahead. 

QUESTION:  Do you think Turkey might give impetus to the talks on Nagorno Karabakh.  And what is the timeframe in your mind?

ASSISTANT SECRETARY FRIED:  I could not possibly discuss the timeframe. Obviously we want this to move along as fast as possible.  We think this year is a good year, but I can’t go into the details other than what I have already said.

QUESTION:  There is a general expectation that the Armenian side needs to make some gesture or withdraw from several regions in Nagorno Karabakh.  Do you think the Armenians are going to take such steps, or will Americans support that?

ASSISTANT SECRETARY FRIED:  There is nothing more foolish than discussing the details, or possible details, or speculative details of an agreement through the press.  I should say simply that the Azerbaijan Government and the Armenian Government both appear to be serious about this.  While we all regret that Rambouillet did not produce a solution, I think that the two sides are serious about this.  Otherwise, we would not be here in the region.  They have to work out the details and think about this.  We hope that they do this, and we are going to give them every support. 

QUESTION:  How does the genocide issue affect developments in the region?

ASSISTANT SECRETARY FRIED:  This is a complicated issue.  The American position is well known on this.  President Bush has issued statements each year on April 24.  There is very likely to be one this April 24.  I think the difficulties and the tragedies of the past need to be recognized in a serious way, and people need to deal with these issues honestly and courageously.  But at the same time, nations need to look to their futures as well -- I don’t mean instead of looking at the past, but in order not to be imprisoned by it.  That is important.  Thank you.