I DO NOT THINK TURKEY-ARMENIA BORDER WILL OPEN SOON: TURKISH PARLIAMENTARIAN
Today.Az
/politics/56749.html
Oct 21 2009
Azerbaijan
Day.Az interview with member of Turkey’s Grand National Assembly
(parliament) from the Republican People’s Party (RPP) Shukru Elekdag.
Day.Az: Armenian-Turkish protocols are expected to be ratified by
the parliament in near future. Can one expect opening of the borders
after this?
Shukru Elekdag: For the opening of borders protocols must first
be approved by the Foreign Affairs Committee and then ratified by
parliament. But I think that the parliament will not approve these
protocols. Because they do not reflect some of the points that Turkey
is concerned with. So, I do not think that the border will open soon.
Q: The protocols indicate two-month timeframe for opening of borders…
A: This timeframe will be in effect after ratification of the
protocols. But the question of ratification, as can be seen, is at
a standstill.
Q:What can hinder the ratification?
A: First, there is a promise by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan
to parliaments and peoples of Turkey and Azerbaijan. He will certainly
keep his word.
Secondly, the parliamentary Committee on History has sent a few
queries regarding the protocols to the Foreign Affairs Committee.
These queries underlined Turkey’s concerns about the protocols. The
protocols do not indicate that the Armenians give up their baseless
claims about the "Armenian genocide". They oppose creation of a
joint commission to investigate the 1915 events. Also, they do not
approve the Kars Treaty. So, these protocols may turn not only against
Azerbaijan, but also Turkey. Therefore, the Turkish parliament may
not ratify the protocols in their current form. We can not make a
historic mistake once again.
Q: At one time those in Ankara promised not to sign the very protocols
that are now already signed …
A: He promised not to open the border till the solution of the
Karabakh problem.
Recently, during an informal conversation, he reiterated his words.
Erdogan said that the promise of opening the borders after the return
of occupied territories is a matter of honor for him. The promise of
prime minister is not his own promise, but a promise on behalf of the
Turkish nation and state. He can not get away from his promise. As RPP,
we will act as a guarantor that the prime minister keeps his promise.
Q: But the parliamentary majority of the ruling Justice and Development
Party (AKP) will back ratification of the protocols …
A: AKP can not unanimously vote for ratification. When we asked the
prime minister "Do you think Azerbaijan and Armenia have the same
significance for Turkey?", he replied: "I have no right to even
compare them. It will be unfair. Importance of Azerbaijan to Turkey
can be compared with nothing. Members of the AKP, prime minister and
the president understand that Azerbaijan is 100 times more valuable
to Turkey than Armenia. The government will allow losing Azerbaijan
for acquisition of Armenia.
Q: The news which said Azerbaijan’s flag will not be allowed to
the stadium in Bursa, which hosted Armenia-Turkey football match,
was negatively perceived in Azerbaijan and Turkey. With what this
process will end?
A: This disappointed us. We are saddened by the fact that there
were flags of Armenia and "NGR"in the stadium. Unfortunately,
the international forces and FIFA intervened and we were not able
to influence the situation. Of course, Turkey should apologize to
Azerbaijan.
Q: What do you a see as a reason for Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet
Davutoglu’s upcoming visit to Azerbaijan?
A: He probably will trip to Azerbaijan to resolve the differences. He
is obliged to explain all nuances of the protocols to the people
and government of Azerbaijan. In addition, he certainly will ask
Azerbaijan’s support in a number of issues.
Q: How do you feel about statements of the Azerbaijani side to revise
the prices of energy sold to Turkey?
A: Turkey, precisely thanks to Azerbaijan, has become energy exporting
country. Today, Turkey plays role of energy bridge between Asia and
Europe. Turkey understands this very well. To refuse all of this,
Turkey should be deprived of reason. Azerbaijan highly appreciates
friendship with Turkey and is aware the value of this fraternity.
Surely it does not want to prejudice that brotherhood.
Q: What are your views about establishing business ties with Armenia
soon?
A: Turkish firms will not find that market in Armenia which they have
in Azerbaijan. Smart executives will not agree to this. Only companies
whose leadership include Armenians, seek to business with Armenia. In
recent days, reports about oppression towards Turkish companies in
Azerbaijan appeared in media. I do not believe it. I think that we
should stop speculating on this topic. There is no need to instigate
trouble between brothers. There is a need to unite against enemies
of Turks, rather than to be at odds with each other.