AZERBAIJANI POLITICIANS’ OPINIONS CONCERNING NAGORNO KARABAKH ISSUE IN TURKISH-ARMENIAN RELATIONS – POLL

APA
Feb 20 2009
Azerbaijan

Baku. Elnur Mammadli-APA. "One of the subjects of negotiations that US
President Barack Obama conducted with Turkey was the improvement of
relations with Armenia. It shows that Turkey improves the relations
with Armenia not depending on its will. Turkish politicians and
state leaders understand that Azerbaijan was very important for
Turkey. The head of state not taking Azerbaijan’s interests and
position into account cannot rule the country for a long time",
MP Sabir Rustamkhanli, Chairman of Citizen Solidarity Party told APA.

To him, besides Nagorno Karabakh, Turkey have problems with Armenia.

"But Turkey tries to develop the relations without these
problems. Armenia does not recognize territorial integrity of Turkey,
but they sit with Armenians at one table," he said. Rustamkhanli
considers that Turkey cannot refuse the issue on Nagorno Karabakh.

"Borders between Turkey and Armenia are open at present. Flights and
bus routes are open between the two countries. There are 50-60.000
Armenians in Istanbul. There is better condition for Armenians
than Azerbaijanis in Turkey at present. The opening of border is a
conditional and psychological issue. Several Turkish groups say that
Turkey will meet happiness as soon as the borders open. It is not good
that Turkey takes light steps not taking its position into account,"
he said.

Sardar Jalaloglu, Chairman of ADP said that improvement of relations
between Turkey and Armenia was coordinated with Azerbaijan.

"Turkey improves relations with Armenia basing on its interests. If
Turkey’s interests demands to make close relations with Armenia against
interests of Azerbaijan, it will take steps as independent country,"
he said. Jalaloglu commented on the fact that Turkish Foreign Ministry
remained silent in this issue.

"We should use new pressures. On the contrary, opening of borders
between Armenia and Turkey will have benefit for us. Armenia will
be free from pressure of Russia and make friendship with Turkey and
there will be several changes as a result of this friendship," he said.

Chairman of United Azerbaijan Popular Front Party, MP Gudrat
Hasanguliyev expressed his concern over the improvement of the
relations between Turkey and Armenia.

"Turkey has retracted from its position. Turkey used to say borders
will not open and normal relations will not be established with
Armenia unless Nagorno Karabakh is solved. Now, they actually are
holding talks in this direction. We regret it," he said.

Gudrat Hasanguliyev said it seems convincing that Nagorno Karabakh
problem fell into the shade in the talks between Turkey and Armenia.

"Moreover, the terms of the recent declaration signed between Turkey
and Russia raises concern. Turkish Foreign Ministry’s silence resembles
one moment in Erdogan’s dispute with Israeli president. Erdogan
told Shimon Peres in Davos that he was shouting because of he was
guilty. I think that silence of some Turkish officials is sourced
from guiltiness," he said.

Hasanguliyev considers that the processes serve opening of borders
with Armenia and improvement of diplomatic relations.

"Turkish public should react. Azerbaijani official should openly
express the country’s concern. Turkish government should clarify
these issues," he said.

Chairman of Hope party, MP Igbal Agazadeh disapproved any improvement
in Turkey-Armenia relations.

"But I know that Turkey’s state policy has not been established on
Azerbaijan’s interests and regard it as normal. The problems created
by Turkish government for years, drove the country into a corner,"
he said.

Igbal Agazadeh said Erdogan’s statement on the conflict does not
reveal the essence of the talks between Armenia and Turkey.

"This statement is intended for internal public and Azerbaijan. I do
not claim that Turkey betrayed Azerbaijan’s positions and interests,
but I think that Turkey has given up the previous principles," he said.

He does not believe that the borders between Turkey and Armenia will
open soon.

Member of the Parliament Aydin Mirzazadeh thinks that Armenian-Turkish
relations are normal from the view of relations between the two
countries. "The fact is that Turkey is a strategic ally of Azerbaijan
and connected with Azerbaijan in many issues. The sides stated that
they would support each other and Azerbaijan was always loyal to this
principle. Turkey always stated that Armenia should withdraw from the
Azerbaijani lands and should leave its groundless territorial claim
against Turkey. Armenia never fulfilled these terms, but relations
with Armenia are intensively extended. It is possible that despite
non-fulfillment of the terms the borders will be opened soon and
Armenia will turn into the close ally of Turkey. Unfortunately
their actions don’t coincide with their statements about support
to Azerbaijan".

Leader of the National unity Movement Lala Shovkat said recent
approach between Turkey and Armenia threatened Azerbaijan. "We know
Russian position on Karabakh issue that they are interested in the
status-quo. Turkish newspapers said that Turkey left its terms about
Karabakh. It is not good news for Azerbaijan. Every state has its own
interests and Turkey is protecting its interests at first. Azerbaijan
has also to do that". Shovkat said processes in Azerbaijan entangled
the Nagorno Karabakh issue. Regarding the Turkish Prime Minister’s
statement, Shovkat said such refutation was possible. "There are
words in diplomacy and there are actions as well. If we look at the
actions we can see that Turkey already left its terms on Karabakh".