Azernews.Az

ANKARA – The ongoing Armenian occupation of Azerbaijani territories could trigger "unexpected threats", Turkish President Abdullah Gul was quoted by Anadolu news agency as saying.

Speaking to a news conference with Swiss President Doris Leuthard in Bern on Thursday, President Gul noted that certain problems remain between Azerbaijan and Armenia, and between Turkey and Armenia.

"A part of Azerbaijan’s territory is under occupation, and a large number of people are living as refugees and displaced persons. If this issue is not resolved, other unanticipated problems may emerge tomorrow. The problem has to be solved to prevent this."

Azerbaijan and Armenia have been locked in conflict for two decades. 20 percent of Azerbaijan’s territory has been under Armenian occupation since the two South Caucasus republics signed a precarious cease-fire in 1994 following a lengthy war. OSCE-brokered peace talks have been largely fruitless so far.

President Gul said Turkey attaches great importance to maintaining friendly relations with all neighboring countries.

"We will continue to take steps toward establishing sustainable peace in the Caucasus. I hope that the challenges facing the Caucasus will find their solution in the soonest time possible. The de-facto situation is not benefiting anyone. This situation is unsuitable not only for the Caucasus countries but also the entire Eurasia. So long as the outstanding problems remain unresolved, the Caucasus will be like a wall between Europe and Asia."