Azerbaijani political scientists express opinion on agreement expected
to be signed between Turkey and Armenia in April – OPINION

13 Mar 2009 17:02

Baku. Elnur Mammadli – APA. Azerbaijani political scientists expressed
their opinion on the article about Armenia-Turkey relations published
in today’s edition of Turkey-based Star newspaper.

The Star wrote that negotiations between Armenia and Turkey were about
to end and official document would be signed soon. The article writes
that according to the document the Nagorno Karabakh issue was not put
forth as the main stipulation, Turkey’s borders with Armenia will
open, mutual commercial relations will be established and a joint
commission will be set up in connection with the events of 1915.

Political scientist Vafa Guluzadeh considers that Turkey can not make
Karabakh problem the theme of discussion with Armenia. He told APA
that Karabakh problem had not been discussed between Turkey and
Armenia.
`False reports always spread about it. What has Turkey talked about
Karabakh with Armenia? Nothing. Turkey can not discuss Karabakh
problem with Armenia. Turkey, Azerbaijan and Armenia are separate
states. They should cut off all relations with Armenia, if they raise
Karabakh problem. On the other hand, Minsk Group deals with the
solution to the problem. Ankara-Yerevan negotiations focus on
restoration of Turkey-Armenia relations, not on Turkey’s solving
Karabakh problem. All this concerns bilateral relations. Therefore,
Karabakh problem can not be included into this framework,’ he said.

Aydin Mirzazadeh told APA that the articles were version of the newspaper.
`This is approach of journalist and there is no need for commitments
without existence of any documents. Armenia has occupied Azerbaijani
lands and there will not be any relations between Armenia and
Azerbaijan till the liberation of lands. Turkish officials state
regularly that Azerbaijan’s interests are Turkey’s interests.
Therefore it is not right to comment on the newspapers’ articles.
Turkey always makes statements on friendship and partnership regarding
Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan demands liberation of its lands,’ he said.

Politologist Gabil Huseynli told APA that the articles of the
newspaper `Star’ were real and noted that secret negotiations had been
conducted between Turkey and Armenia for eight months.

`MPs from AKP leaving for Washington stated that such kind of
situation would occur. The borders are planned to open in April. The
US demands it from Turkey. The issue will not conclude with opening of
borders and establishment of diplomatic relations is taken into
account,’ he said.

To him, Armenia is expected to refuse claims on so-called Armenian
genocide in return for it.

`Turkey takes steps basing on Madrid proposals in connection with
Nagorno Karabakh conflict. Turkey says that if Azerbaijan conducts
negotiations basing on Madrid proposals, Turkey will take warm
position on the issue and can agree to regulations of the issue within
the framework of OSCE MG. Turkey does not bear responsibility for the
issue,’ he said.

Head of the Political Innovation and Technology Center Mubariz
Ahmedoglu thinks that Turkey is making serious mistake. He said
Armenian organizations in Turkey had an opportunity to weigh with AKP
government. `Armenians are using March 29 and April 24 to achieve
their goal. Their priority was to cause row between Azerbaijan and
Turkey over the past five years and at last they achieved it.
Therefore the Karabakh issue passed to the back plane. This issue will
damage Turkey’s policy in the region’.

Ilgar Mammadov has different thoughts. In his opinion, the Turkey’s
current policy is completely meeting the Azerbaijan’s interests.
`Despite believable and unbelievable versions published in the
newspapers, Turkish diplomacy is making very great contributions
toward the protection of Azerbaijan’s interests. If there are changes
in the Turkey’s diplomacy toward Armenia, I am completely sure that
these steps will be made to support Azerbaijan and to protect its
interests only’.

Rasim Musabeyov told APA that there is no need to react to the
publications in the press. `This issue is under the question whether
Armenians and Turks will solve this issue or not, because there are
some issues ahead of the false `genocide’ claims in April. Turkey is a
great state and has own interests. We are expecting that Turkey will
not donate its principal position for any small issue. If Erdogan says
so, it could be commented, but there is no need to make comment on
some publications in the press. I don’t expect that it will happen
this April’.