TURKISH, AZERBAIJANI INTELLECTUALS DISCUSS RELATIONS AT SETA CONFERENCE
Mahir Zeynalov

Today’s Zaman
27 June 2009, Saturday

A seminar on Turkish-Azerbaijani relations aiming to address concerns
in the post-crisis era between the two nations began in Istanbul
yesterday, organized by the Foundation for Political, Economic and
Social Research (SETA).

Conference attendees ranged from civil society organization
representatives, press, parliamentarians and government officials
from both countries. Rabiyyat Aslanova, a deputy of the ruling
Yeni Azerbaijan (New Azerbaijan) Party and head of the Azerbaijani
Parliament’s Human Rights Committee; Vefa Guluzade, former national
security advisor to late Azerbaijani President Haydar Aliyev; Savaþ
Barkcýn, Turkish prime ministry head consultant; and Suat Kýnýklýoðlu,
a deputy in the Turkish Parliament, were among the participants.

"It is a very hot topic," said SETA General Coordinator Taha Ozhan
while opening the conference. "There are many levels of discussion
that need to be discovered and addressed, ranging from politics, to
economics and societies. SETA’s offer for the Caucasus Cooperation
and Stability Platform has been a case in point, heavily promoted by
officials as well," he added. Touching upon other countries of the
region, Ozhan said, "There will also be seminars related to Georgia
and Russia, perhaps not later than September."

Speaking after Ozhan, Savaþ Barkcýn, noted that there were many
problems associated with the region, also asserting that there are few
places in the world where people of many different ethnic backgrounds
and religions live together. "There is a power threat, yet cooperation
in the Caucasus," he quipped. Pointing out to the lasting friendship
these two countries have enjoyed, he said: "Our principle in relations
with Azerbaijan is based on ‘brotherhood.’ No change has been made
and there will be no change in this brotherhood. Turkish-Azerbaijani
relations are based on very solid ground."

Rabiyyat Aslanova, a deputy from the Azerbaijani Parliament, insisted
that Azerbaijani-Turkish relations not be based on emotions but pure
pragmatism, as the unity and brotherhood between these countries is
not subject to debate. Speaking at the conference’s opening, Aslanova
stressed the historical and cultural ties between two countries,
saying: "Azerbaijan and Turkey have an old history and possess a joint
political future. It should go on to realize the phrase, ‘one nation,
two states.’" Aslanova also suggested SETA set up conferences focusing
on the other Turkic republics as well.

Rovþen Ýbrahimov, a professor from Baku Qafqaz University and a keynote
speaker at the conference, told Today’s Zaman: "Allied countries
always have problems at some point in their relations. Relations
between these two countries were constantly rising and developing,
and it is normal if these relations sometimes fluctuate." He
continued to say that the conference aimed to address and take on
these misunderstandings. Speaking on Turkey’s recent moves toward
rapprochement with Armenia, he said: "Turkey should work more closely
with the Armenian diaspora, because the diaspora has a great deal of
leverage with Armenia while the Armenian government has no power to
pressure the diaspora. It is noteworthy to say that the diaspora is
the driving force for the so-called Armenian genocide campaign." Vefa
Guluzade, former national security adviser to late Azerbaijani
President Haydar Aliyev, said he was very happy to see such events
taking place. Speaking to Today’s Zaman, he said: "T!

hese kinds of seminars help tackle problems and misunderstandings
between the two brother countries. There is always a necessity to keep
these issues on [the agenda]. There are certainly misunderstandings,
and discussions of this kind clear them up."

Southern Caucasus expert Kamer Kasým from the International
Strategic and Research Organization (ISRO) told Today’s Zaman:
"Azerbaijani-Turkish relations deteriorated after Turkey and Armenia
declared that they had agreed on a roadmap. However, this kind of
conference assists in restoring the previous unity and brotherhood
between these countries."

SETA, a think-tank focusing on political and economic affairs, also
organized a seminar on Turkish-Armenian relations in May 2009. SETA
plans to organize seminars on Georgia and Russia in the months ahead.