RATIFICATION OF TURKEY-ARMENIA PROTOCOLS IS NOT ON AGENDA: TURKISH MP

Today
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Dec 3 2009
Azerbaijan

Day.Az interview with Zeynep Dagi, member of Turkey’s Grand National
Assembly (parliament), Deputy Chairman of ruling Justice and
Development Party’s parliamentary faction.

Day.Az: When the Armenia-Turkey protocols on normalization of relations
are likely to be ratified?

Zeynep Dagi: The protocols may be ratified only after Turkey is
willing to do so. No one can exert pressure on Turkey in this matter
as the country is governed by the Turkish people. We do not act upon
outside orders. Turkey pursues an expedient policy which will not
change under some pressure. Those who believe that Turkey is acting
under an order are mistaken. So far, the AKP has acted only in line
with its own plan which aims only at benefiting Turkey.

The delay in ratification is due to further development of
Armenian-Azerbaijani peace talks. Turkey is closely watching this
process and is waiting for its end.

Q: You are represented in the ruling party leadership. Can you say
with confidence that the Turkish parliament will not ratify the
protocols till the Karabakh conflict is resolved?

A: We keep a close eye on the peace process. It all depends on how
the problem will be solved. Vagaries of some of our neighbors prevent
Turkey from achieving its goals. Turkey wants changes for the better
in our region. The conflict has a destructive effect on this process.

I can only say that ratification of the protocols is not on the agenda
and unlikely to be put into the agenda in near future. Azerbaijan
should not be concerned over this matter.

Q: Armenia consistently hinders the peace process while Turkey is
trying to improve relations with the country which is an obstacle to
peace …

A: Turkey believes in power of diplomacy. In any case we must try to
solve the problem at the negotiating table and achieve a peaceful
solution. Protracting the conflict does not meet interests of not
only Turkey but also that of Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Q: As an expert on international affairs, what is your vision of a
just resolution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict?

A: I am supporter of diplomacy and negotiation and an opponent of
a war. The peace process conducted by the OSCE Minsk Group is the
most acceptable option. Today the South Caucasus has become like the
Middle East. This small region periodically witnesses large-scale
military confrontation. The current situation in the region does not
satisfy Turkey. Turkey seeks to make the Caucasus a region of peace,
security and cooperation.

Q: Though the OSCE Minsk Group has been engaged in resolving the
Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict for already 16 years,
no result has been achieved yet…

A: Large states are usually distinguished for wise actions. This
problem may only be solved by rational approach and wise policy. The
Soviet Union does not exist any more and Azerbaijan does not act
under somebody’s dictation. Azerbaijan is an independent state and
an important figure in international politics. Azerbaijan has a good
understanding of the intricacies of regional politics. I believe that
Azerbaijan should be committed to a peaceful solution to the conflict.

Q: It is said that Armenia took a tough stance in the Karabakh
negotiations following a thaw in Turkey-Armenia relations…

A: The Minsk Group was not acting so intensive before the protocols
were discussed. The negotiations have been intensified today. On
the other hand, Azerbaijan should not respond with radicalization to
Armenia’s radicalization. In this case, the international community
will see who obstructs a peaceful solution to the conflict. A rational
policy would add to a number of Azerbaijan’s allies.

Q: Do you mean Turkey must recognize the so-called "Armenian genocide"?

A: Problems can not be regarded only as an internal affair of a
country. International principles and world opinion should be taken
as a basis in this respect.

Q: What if international opinion favors Armenia?

A: In any case, both Turkey and Azerbaijan should show the world
their just position. This is possible only by means of a wise policy
based on truth. We must prove to the world that we are a peace-loving,
democratic country that respects rights of neighboring peoples.

Q: Turkish opposition accuses the ruling party of unreasonable
concessions to Armenia. The opposition argues that Turkey is not
obliged to withdraw Armenia from crisis …

A: Turkey is not making any concessions to Armenia. Simply Turkey
is a superpower on a regional scale. Turkey is worried about the
situation in the Caucasus. Turkey considers the Armenian-Azerbaijani
conflict to be not non-local, but a global problem. Thanks to its
energy potential, Azerbaijan is open to the world. But Armenia is
still in an isolated position. Turkey believes that the warming of
Turkish-Armenian relations may mark beginning of an entirely new
policy in the region. Turkey does not want to live in a volatile
region with eternal conflicts. It wants the neighbors to live in a
peaceful environment.