Turkish And Armenian Journalists Come Together In Istanbul

ISTANBUL (A.A) - 05.05.2002 - The Turkish and Armenian Journalists Initiative meeting started in Istanbul on Saturday within the scope of Turkish-Armanian-Azerbaijani Journalists Initiative.
Addressing the meeting, Hurriyet newspaper writer Ferai Týnc said that there are certain positive developments in Turkish-Armenian relations recently and that Turkish and Armenian journalists had certain responsibilities in improving this dialogue.
Týnc stressed that journalists should criticize provocative news which does not serve the peace between the two countries, they should cover statements which will serve peace and that the officials of both countries should be encouraged to issue such statements.
Chairman of Turkish Democracy Foundation and deputy leader of the Motherland Party (ANAP) Bulent Akarcalý said in his part that the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11 changed both the world and the region where the two countries are situated.
The things done by journalists of both countries are important, said Akarcalý and noted that ''nobody is after individual interests here. If a success is reached, this will be the success of everybody.''
Prof. Dr. Mithat Melen, the writer of Dunya newspaper said that non-governmental organizations have to take action immediately to stop clashes between countries. Undertaking more common investment and trade will prevent such tensions, he said. Recalling that Turkey and Armenia could not still set up a free trade zone and the borders are closed, Melen said that the two countries need more trade and contact between them.
Asot Gazazyan, the Armenian correspondent of German Deutsche Welle broadcasting organ said that the majority of the Armenian press share the view that as long as Turkey's unconditional support to Azerbaijan continues, more time is needed to start an effective dialogue between Turkey and Armenia. ''The newspapers in Armenia say that Turkey cut the connection of Armenia with the world and that Turkey does not want to set up diplomatic relations,'' he asserted.
Gazazyan said that Armenian press closely watches the developments about the possible meeting between Foreign Minister Ismail Cem and Armenian Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanyan in May, adding that such kind of contacts can contribute significantly to the development of bilateral relations.
The meetings held within the scope of Turkish-Armenian journalists initiative will end on Monday evening.