AZERBAIJANI MP: I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY TURKEY CAN NOT BECOME OSCE MINSK GROUP CO-CHAIR?!
Today
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Oct 27 2009
Azerbaijan
Day.Az interview with the member of Azerbaijani Milli Majlis
(parliament) Jamil Hasanli.
Day.Az: Did the Turkey-Armenia protocols signed in Zurich have impact
on Azerbaijan-Turkey relations?
Jamil Hasanli: Of course, signing of protocols had a negative impact
on Azerbaijan-Turkey relations. But one should not forget that Turkey
has supported Azerbaijan in the Karabakh conflict with Armenia for
long years.
Q: What impact can the Platform of Stability and Cooperation in the
Caucasus initiated by Turkey have on the situation in the region?
A: I think Turkey’s increased interest in the Caucasus is a positive
factor. Turkey is located near our region and takes an active part
in almost all regional projects.
Historically, Turkey was one of the three states that were present in
the Caucasus. Later it was expelled from the Caucasus. Now it wants
to return to the Caucasus, which is a natural process, and actively
participates in all regional processes. Turkey has more right to this
than other states that show interest in the Caucasus.
Q: How big is the role of Turkey in recently intensified
Azerbaijan-Armenia talks on the Karabakh conflict?
A: You know, the press is not told the basic principles on basis of
which the negotiations are underway. But, I think this is correct,
because, disclosing of details of the Armenian-Azerbaijani dialogue
can directly harm the negotiation process itself before reaching
any agreements.
Nevertheless, I do not think that there is a significant progress in
the negotiations on the Karabakh issue. The OSCE Minsk Group creates
illusion of success of the Armenian-Azerbaijani dialogue. It has to
do so justify its existence in any way.
Regarding the structure of the OSCE Minsk Group, I believe that it
should be formed on a rotating basis. For example, I do not understand
why Turkey can not become co-chairman of OSCE Minsk Group? Russia,
which is co-chairing the Minsk Group, has its military bases in Armenia
and can be considered an impartial party while Turkey, which does not
have such bases in Azerbaijan, is considered a country interested in
the Karabakh conflict.
Also, I do not understand why we could not replace the biased France
with neutral Germany.
The existence of the current structure of the co-chairs of the Minsk
Group is aimed at protracting the Karabakh conflict in order to help
Azerbaijan reconcile with the current status quo.
Q: Will the Armenian-Turkish protocols be ratified by the Turkish
parliament?
A: I hesitate to answer to this question unambiguousy. I think that
we should wait for developments. Nevertheless, I do not think that
opening the borders between Turkey and Armenia will be a tragedy for
us. Our main purpose is not to be an obstacle to the opening of the
Armenian-Turkish borders, but a return of occupied Azerbaijani lands.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
