ArmInfo. "We want Armenia to regard the peace proposed by the Azerbaijani and Turkish presidents, Ilkham Aliyev and Recep Erdogan, as an opportunity to take," Turkish Defense Minister Hulisi Akar told a news conference held jointly with his Azerbaijani counterpart, the Azeri-Press Agency (APA) reports.
"We expect further stability through joint discussions with Azerbaijan, Armenia, Turkey, Georgia, Russia and Iran," Akar said.
He noted that the parties that were able to find political solutions to regional conflicts found themselves in a safer and more developed state.
"It must be done. The main point is here is, naturally, perception on Armenia's part. If they come to realize it and provide necessary support, they will enjoy serious development in terms of both security and well-being. In this aspect, Azerbaijan has its needs as well. The Zangezur corridor is what is in question. This communication is not to anyone's disadvantage, and this initiative should be supported. Such steps lead to well- being," Akar said. However, the Turkish minister does not explain what particular "perception" on Armenia's part be means while Azerbaijani troops shoot civilians dead in Nagorno-Karabakh.
Akar noted that other states besides Azerbaijan could take advantage of it. Commenting on the so-called Shushi declaration, he noted it expands the good- neighborly bilateral relations.
"The Shishi declaration is a document reflecting the ideas of Turkish President Recep Erdogan and Azerbaijani President Ilkham Aliyev, as well as prospects for our nations they see. We are expanding the fields of military training, exchange of experience and assistance to Azerbaijan, go on working in this field," Akar said.
As regards the Russian-Turkish monitoring center, the Turkish MoD said: "Its tasks are clear. Efforts are being made for the center to operate within a certain frame of reference. Our goal there is to ensure continuous ceasefire and regional stability. We are greatly pleased to see important steps toward stability."