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Turkey, Armenia seek to mend ties through soccer

Armenian goalkeeper Roman Berezovsky gives an interview to a Turkish television channel in Yerevan on Thursday. PHOTO: AFP

Turkey and Armenia are hoping a little “soccer diplomacy” will help them overcome decades of bad blood rooted in claims of Ottoman-era genocide.

Turkish President Abdullah Gul travels to Armenia today to attend a socer match between the two historic foes — becoming the first Turkish leader to set foot in Armenia since the ex-Soviet nation declared independence in 1991.

Sarkisian invited Gul to the match in July but Gul delayed a response until the last minute, apparently mindful of the widespread opposition to his visit.

Turkey’s two major opposition parties have objected saying the visit does not serve Turkey’s national interests. Gul justified his decision saying the visit would “contribute to the creation of a climate of friendship in the region.”

No hordes of fans from soccer-mad Turkey are expected to travel, and even politicians who usually watch Turkey play abroad, will not make the journey. The match is hotly anticipated in Armenia, with TV stations urging fans to attend.

In Armenia, a nationalist party was planning to protest Gul’s visit.

Turkey coach Fatih Terim warned this week that the political tensions could distract the team.

“We are going to a soccer match, not to war,” he said. “We cannot bear the weight of history on our shoulders, that would slow us down ... It will mess up our play.”

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