APA
Feb 19 2009
Azerbaijan
Baku. Gulshan Hajiyeva – APA. Member of Parliament, representing
Nationalist Movement Party from Tokat, former state minister for
Turkish-speaking countries and relations Reshat Dogru interviewed
by APA
-What can you say about the reports that Turkey has given up the
stipulation of Nagorno Karabakh in the negotiations with Armenia? How
true are these reports?
-We hope these claims are not true, because Azerbaijan and Turkey
are two brother states. The grief of one state is the grief of
the other. If Turkish government takes such a wrong step, it will
damage both states. According to the position of the Nationalist
Movement Party, the main aim is to achieve Armenia’s withdrawal from
Azerbaijani lands. Without this no relations should be established
between Armenia and Turkey, relations should not be improved. We
can not forget Armenians’ savageries in Karabakh. We can not forget
Khojaly. Turkey should not establish any relations with Armenia unless
at least Armenians leave Azerbaijani territories.
-Does it mean that You do not support holding any discussions between
Turkey and Armenia?
-Yes, it does. No discussions should be held. I do not regard it as
normal. It is not right to take these steps, just because European
Union and US want it, it contradicts our brotherhood and national
interests.
-Do you think Turkey has taken these steps under foreign pressures?
-I think the government takes these steps under foreign pressures. But
Turkish people do not think so. Turkish people are always with
Azerbaijan and regard Karabakh problem as their own problem. Relations
with Armenia should not be discussed, unless this problem is solved.
-Changes are felt in the statements of Turkey – unlike the
previous statements, now they only say "We support your territorial
integrity". Can we regard it as giving up?
-We can not give up the stipulation of Nagorno Karabakh
if we support the territorial integrity, we should say it
openly. Karabakh is Azerbaijan’s land and no step will be taken
unless these lands are returned. We should underline it in all
our statements. Turkey-Azerbaijan relations should be above
all. Brotherhood, neighborhood and strategic partnership require it.
-Are you going to raise the issues worrying Azerbaijani public before
the government?
-Of course. I have presented bill on Khojaly tragedy to the
parliament. I think that Turkey should recognize Khojaly tragedy as
genocide. Moreover, we intend to bring to the agenda the claims that
Turkey has given up the stipulation of Nagorno Karabakh. I will raise
issue about it.
-What steps will you take if Turkey opens borders or establishes
diplomatic relations with Armenia?
-Our reaction will be severe. Everything is obvious – Karabakh is
under occupation and no relations can be established unless the
occupation ends. If the government takes such a step, it will meet
our strict reaction.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
