Anadolu Agency
Feb 8 2005
Arinc: The Armenian Occupation Of Azeri Territory Is Cruelty
Anadolu Agency: 2/7/2005
BAKU – Turkish Parliament Speaker Bulent Arinc has stated that the
Armenian occupation of over 20 percent of Azeri territory is cruelty.
“Despite UN resolutions, Armenia continues to occupy Azeri land,”
said Arinc.
In a meeting with Arinc, the Azeri Parliament’s Speaker Murtuz
Alasgarov told that the real genocide was committed by the Armenians
in 1992 in Khojaly.
After Arinc and Alasgarov’s meeting, delegations from the two countries
started discussions.
“The relations between Turkey and Azerbaijan are developing every
single day. Our relations have reached a strategic level,” remarked
Alasgarov.
“Turkey has helped Azerbaijan in convincing the European Council
Parliamentary Assembly to recognize the Armenian occupation of Azeri
soil and make a call on the Armenians to withdraw from the occupied
territory. We are thankful to Turkey,” stressed Alasgarov. “Armenia
asserts that the Turks committed a genocide against Armenians. When
one looks at history books, he comes to the conclusion that no
genocide took place in 1915. The actual genocide was committed by
the Armenians in 1992 in Khojaly. More than 1,000 Azeris were shot to
death and wounded. Armenians have attempted a massive genocide on the
Azeris. The Armenians have forced about 250,000 Azeris to leave their
homes after 1980. 20 percent of our land is currently under Armenian
occupation. Over one million Azeri citizens have been forced out of
their homes and have to live in tents. We hope to resolve our dispute
with Armenia peacefully and support the Minsk Peace Process. Karabagh
is Azeri territory and we do not accept an Armenian government there.
Armenians must immediately withdraw from Azeri territory and Azeri
refugees must return to their homes,” stressed Alasgarov.
Arinc added that the United Nations adopted four resolutions to force
Armenian troops out of Azeri territory. “Yet, Armenia continues to
refuse abiding by UN decisions. Turkey supports a solution under the
Minsk Process. For the past 10 years, Armenia has been occupying Azeri
territory. Turkey will continue to give support to Azerbaijan in all
platforms,” expressed Arinc.
Arinc delivered an invitation to Alasgarov to attend the 85th
anniversary of the foundation of the Turkish parliament. “At the time
the Turkish parliament was established, Turkish territory was also
under occupation,” commented Arinc. According to Alasgarov, Azerbaijan
attach great importance to the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline and
Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum natural gas project. On the other hand Arinc has
reminded that the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline will be completed
within 2005. “Our countries cooperate in many platforms,” told Arinc.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress