ANKARA TO BRING UP KARABAKH PROBLEM FOR UN SECURITY COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS: TURKISH FM (INTERVIEW)
Trend
June 15 2009
Azerbaijan
Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmad Davudoglu spoke in an exclusive
interview with Trend News.
Trend News: You always say in your statements that relations between
Turkey and Armenia are parallel process with Azerbaijan-Armenia
bilateral ties. However, Armenia says it does not speak about Karabakh
as such in a dialogue with Turkey. It is true?
Ahmad Davudoglu: Our policy on this issue is obvious. We see from
dialogue with Armenia that it also wants peace and development
in the Caucasus. We want to further normalize bilateral ties as a
part of our good neighbor policy. There is a need for progress and
development in the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict to
normalize situation in the region. All sides must work to implement
these plans. Turkey-Armenia bilateral ties are not only limited with
the South Caucasus, but they also impact Turkey-U.S. relations. This is
not right. Our relations with Armenia must not influence our relations
with the U.S.
Q: It seems that talks on "Road Map" are not as significant as before
following Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s visit to Azerbaijan…
A: This is not true. We are resolute enough in talks with
Armenia. Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan and even Russia and Georgia share
common future. We all are located in the same region. So, we need to
be constructive and avoid processes and actions that hinder our talks.
Q: Turkey was handed over mandate of UN Security Council
chairmanship. Does your agenda include Karabakh issue?
A: Of course, we have such plans. Our first meeting in New York was
symbolic as Turkey has just assumed mandate of chairmanship in the
Security Council. This month a wide range of issues will be discussed
in the Security Council. Turkey favors discussions over matters of
international interest and importance including Karabakh problem. We
want Armenia-Azerbaijan talks to be fruitful. We also work on this
issue within the OSCE Minsk Group. During my Washington visit I
discussed it with U.S. officials and we concluded that our common task
is to contribute to resolution of the conflict in every way possible.