TURKISH MP: IN THE NEAR FUTURE, TURKEY MIGHT BECOME THE FOURTH CO-CHAIR OF OSCE MINSK GROUP

Today.Az
52961.html
June 8 2009
Azerbaijan

Day.Az interview with the Turkish deputy from the ruling Justice and
Development Party Orhan Erdem.

– What do you think about the current state of Turkish-Armenian
relations?

– It is impossible to say that Turkey and Armenia have good
relations. And it lasts a long time. Unsolved problems are not a
solution. Armenia continues occupation of Azerbaijani lands. You should
know the following, and this is important – the Turkish parliament,
government and opposition will never take steps that might cause
concern in Azerbaijan. This opinion was also voiced by our respected
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. He said this in open during his
recent visit to Azerbaijan.

– Armenian officials stated that the process of normalization of
Armenian-Turkish relations has been delayed because of the Turkish
side. It was noted that the parties have reached agreements, but
due to delaying the process by the Turkish side and in conditions
of the respective statements, the process has been delayed to some
extend. What is Armenia trying to say?

– Both Turkey and Armenia have an internal policy. Naturally,
in my view, such kinds of statements might be voiced inside the
country. Several months ago Turkish opposition stated that the
normalization process supposedly completed. Similar statements were
heard in Azerbaijan as well.

And what happened then? Mr Erdogan arrived in Baku, met with
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. The parties negotiated, made
statements. Naturally, there are many people distorting the truth. We
can see it in terms of international relations as well.

But most important things lie within the statements of officials of
the states. I am not a representative on Foreign Relations in the
parliament, but I understand that probably in the negotiating process,
dates are specified, the parties are called upon to solve problems
within a specified time frame. Perhaps, in this context, they have
produced some documents, and now the same is expected of Turkey.

I do not think that this should be exaggerated. Citizens of Azerbaijan,
first of all, should know the following – Turkish people and deputies
they choose are not supporters of causing any damage to Azerbaijan
and are sensitive in these issues.

But, God forbid, the necessary steps will be made by the Armenians to
liberate the occupied Azerbaijani territories, the rights of refugees
and displaced persons will be restored, and the solution of all
problems will be launched. The people of Turkey do not think otherwise.

– And how would you comment on the Turkish-Armenian "football
diplomacy" and statements by the President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan
who said that the border between the two countries will open, and he
will visit Turkey to see the football match between teams of Turkey
and Armenia?

– In my opinion, the solution of those problems that I pointed out is
not possible before the match. That is, if Sargsyan visits Turkey,
it will happen only after the solution of all these problems. That
is, only after the settlement of existing problems with Azerbaijan
and Turkey.

– How do you value the repeatedly voiced statements of the Armenian
side that Turkey should not interfere in the process of settling the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict?

– This is wrong. Because Turkey should not be left out of developments
in the geography where it belongs. What do we usually say about
us? We are one nation, two states. Turkic countries in our geography
must find a way to cooperation. Countries of this geography gained
independence and Turkey was always close to these countries, helping
to solve their problems, despite existence of its own. This process
should be intensified. So, they seem to be telling us: "Do not pay
attention to Karabakh, and mind your own business".

Turkey is not a small country. Turkey is not limited to
its borders. Turkey helps both Afghanistan and Syria to solve
problems. Turkey carries out the mediation mission to resolve various
problems and can not remain indifferent to the problems of fraternal
Azerbaijan. I do not believe that someone in Turkey thinks otherwise.

– Both Armenian and the Azeri press have recently written much about
Turkey’s possible becoming the fourth mediator of the Minsk Group,
aimed to solve the Karabakh conflict. Do you think it is necessary
for Turkey to become the fourth co-chair of OSCE Minsk Group?

– Yes, it must. If Turkey becomes the fourth co-chair of OSCE Minsk
Group, our Azerbaijani friends will be more convenient to take any
steps to resolve the conflict. I think Turkey may soon become the
fourth co-chair of OSCE Minsk Group.

As I noted earlier, Turkey is strong and, God forbid, we will continue
to take joint steps to resolve the Karabakh problem.