POLITICIANS AND EXPERTS OF AZERBAIJAN DISPLEASED WITH ESTABLISHMENT OF RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN ARMENIA AND TURKEY

ArmInfo-TURAN
2009-09-02 12:00:00

"I think this is betrayal of Azerbaijan’s interests and deception
of Turkish and Azerbaijani publicity. This is contrary to Premier
Erdogan’s promises he has given to our Deputies and publicity in Baku,"
political scientist Vafa Guluzada told Turan while commenting on the
statement about establishment of relationships released by Armenian
and Turkish Foreign Ministries.

"Erdogan government’s policy is contrary to interests of the Turkish
society and it will cause damage to Turkey’s image," Guluzada said. He
did not rule out that Azerbaijani officials can make some steps against
Turkey, which may be related to the plans to transport hydrocarbons
via Turkey.

Eldar Namazov, chief of the Public Forum in the Name of Azerbaijan,
said: "It looks like Ankara and Yerevan are going to establish
diplomatic relationships, but opening of borders and economic
cooperation is postponed till the next stage." Namazov said: "it has
been planned to establish diplomatic relationships between Armenia
and Turkey within six weeks for Armenian President Serzh Sarkisian
to attend the football match between the two countries without losing
a face."

Namazov believes that Armenia and Turkey will be unable to fully
establish relationships till settlement of the Karabakh conflict and
liberation of the occupied Azerbaijani territories.

Questioned if diplomatic relationships between Turkey and Armenia
affect relationships between Azerbaijan and Turkey, Namazov answered
this is a stage-by-stage process and Ankara will negotiate each step
with Azerbaijan.

"Last week the two countries’ leaders had a telephone conversation and
Turkey has sent a high-ranking delegation of the Foreign Ministry to
Baku," Namazov said. In any case Baku will watch closely development
of situation, he added.

Musavat party’s leader said: "As far as I know, opening of border
with Armenia has not been inserted into the protocol. We need to be
careful with assessments."

Expert Arastun Orujlu said the current situation is a logical result
of the Turkish-Armenian relationships in the past years.

"The current Turkish authorities do not take into account Azerbaijan’s
interests," Orujlu said. He added that Azerbaijan’s position has
weakened and it can be interpreted as defeat.

"Turkey’s step is also a result of tension in the relationships between
Azerbaijan and Turkey," he said. Baku’s pressure on Ankara in March
2009 was absolutely groundless. "Now Azerbaijan is alone and it must
determine priorities of its foreign policy," political scientist said.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress