YEREVAN (Combined Sources)–Giro Manoyan–Director of Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Bureau’s Armenian National Committee and Political Affairs Office–met on Sunday with a member of the Turkish Parliament.
Manoyan’s one-hour long meeting with Turkish ruling party’s Turhan Comez–took place in the lobby of the Marriott Armenia hotel.
Samson Ozararat–Armenia’s representative in the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Council–and Comez’s colleauges also attended.
Armenian-Turkish relations highlighted conversations–with Manoyan pointing out that dialogue is possible only when it is genuine. He said that by all indications–however–no such environment within Turkey exists for such internal discussions.
Manoyan later stressed to journalists accompanying the Turkish politician their role in the normalization of the Armenian-Turkish relations–and emphasized the need for responsible reporting.
Zaman Daily reported that Comez–who also met with French Ambassador to Armenia Henry Cuny–told reporters that people sharing the same geography could meet at a common ground. "The meeting was held to share our intentions and ideas. I thank Armenia for their hospitability. We–as two nations sharing the same geography–can take steps forward in harmony and [with] mutual understanding–and open the channels of communication with warm dialogue. Dialogue is a must. "
Comez–who was on an unofficial visit to Yerevan–also spoke to students and lecturers at Yerevan State University–and insisted that–as a first step–the two countries should stop setting conditions for establishing relations.