Foreign Ministry: Stability Of Georgia Is Indispensable For Stability Of Caucasian Region

ANKARA - Foreign Ministry Spokesman Namik Tan said on Wednesday that Turkey attributed importance to territorial integrity of Georgia, and noted that stability of Georgia was indispensable for stability of Caucasian region.
Tan replied to questions of reporters at a weekly news briefing of the Foreign Ministry.
When asked about tension between Georgia and Ajaria, Tan said Turkey hoped that relations between Tbilisi and Batumi would be normalized soon.
Stating that Turkey attributed importance to the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Georgia, Tan said, ''stability of Georgia is indispensable for stability of Caucasian region.''
Reaching a solution on this issue was very important prior to the elections in Georgia, Tan said, noting that elections should take place in a peaceful and stable atmosphere.
Tan said Turkey's Ambassador in Tbilisi and Consul General in Batumi launched several high level initiatives.
Asked whether or not there was a request from Georgia to Turkey to close border gate to support sanctions that would be imposed on Ajaria, Tan said such a request was not made.
(AY-AÖ) 17.03.2004