SABIR RUSTAMKHANLY: "IMPROVEMENT OF RELATIONS BETWEEN TIRKEY AND ARMENIA IS NOT A POSITIVE FACT"

Today.az
tics/49458.html
Dec 6 2008
Azerbaijan

"The principles of cooperation between Turkey and Armenia have not
been defined yet", said chairman of the Civil Solidarity Party Sabir
Rustamkhanly.

He noted that the cooperation between the two countries is maintained
on words, as no definite actions are taken in this direction.

"Naturally, we would not like any diplomatic ties to be established
at all, as this does not comply with national interests. It would
be better for Turkey to adhere to the position, it always adhered
to. In particular, Turkey will not improve ties with Armenia until
the latter withdraws its forces from the occupied lands of Azerbaijan.

This position reflects the interests of not only Azerbaijan but also
Turkey. Armenia does not recognize the territorial integrity of Turkey,
it will not reject the international recognition of the so-called
"Armenian genocide" and will not want to return the occupied lands of
Azerbaijan. Which diplomatic ties can be implied with such ambitions",
announced he.

Rustamkhanly also noted that Azerbaijan can not prevent Turkey from
improving ties with Armenia.

"Turkey is an independent state, which has its own policy. Naturally,
some of its details may seem unclear to us. Yet, considering the
current geopolitical situation, we would not like these relations to
improve. The improvement of these relations is not a positive fact",
concluded he.