IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT TURKEY KEEPS ITS PROMISE: AZERBAIJANI PRESIDENTIAL ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL

Today.Az
cs/55246.html
Sept 3 2009
Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan hopes that in talks with Armenia Turkey will not take
steps contradicting Azerbaijan’s national interests, Azerbaijani
Presidential Administration International Relations Department Chief
Novruz Mammadov said.

He said it is possible to achieve progress in resolution of the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict before the Turkey-Armenia border is reopened.

"Baku keeps close eye on ongoing processes between Turkey and Armenia
and hopes that Ankara would not take steps contrary to national
interests of Azerbaijan."

Mammadov recalling the statement Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan made
during his visit to Baku in May noted that Ankara has expressed its
position clearly: borders with Armenia will not reopen without a
progress in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

"In the ongoing negotiations the Turkish side has shown strong,
specific and harsh stance. The documents were signed because Armenia
armed forces have occupied Azerbaijani lands. Borders will reopen
only after the conflict is resolved. Whatever statements Armenian
leadership makes, the whole world knows that the borders are closed
because of the Armenia’s occupation of Azerbaijani lands."

Novruzov said Baku was aware of beginning of discussion between Turkey
and Armenia. "This issue was discussed last week during a telephone
conversation between Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and President
Ilham Aliyev and Azerbaijan has once again stated its position."

"We state only that reopening of the Armenia-Turkey border is contrary
to Azerbaijan’s interests. Turkey’s interests are close to the national
interests of Azerbaijan," he said.

Mammadov also expressed his attitude to statements that beginning
of negotiations between Turkey and Armenia and the resolution of the
Nagorno Karabakh conflict are parallel processes.

"It depends on the negotiation and on conditions made in the
negotiations. I believe before the reopening of borders progress and
a certain agreement can be achieved a in conflict resolution. The
bottom line is that opening of borders does not contradict interests
of Azerbaijan and that progress will be reached in resolution of
the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. It is essential that the Turkish side
keeps its promise," Mammadov added.