Turkish President's visit to Armenia criticised

ANKARA (AFP) - President Abdullah Gul on Saturday becomes Turkey’s first head of the state to visit Armenia, but his bid to ease relations with a historic foe that accuses Turks of genocide has angered nationalists.

Gul will go to Yerevan to watch a football match between the two countries, which do not have diplomatic relations and remain deeply divided after the World War I.

“A visit around this match can create a new climate of friendship in the region,” the Turkish presidency said in a statement.

This is a qualifying match for the 2010 World Cup finals and Armenia’s President Serge Sarkisian invited Gul last month to attend. While some in the Turkish media have hailed the visit as historic and a potential breakthrough, the trip remains highly controversial.

Amid a wave of opposition criticism, the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), which Gul belonged to before being elected president last year, adopted a very cautious tone.