AHMET DAVUTOGLU: "WE ARE VERY CLOSE TO PEACE IN THE CAUCASUS"

APA
Dec 25 2009
Azerbaijan

Baku – APA. Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov, who is
paying an official visit to Turkey, met with his counterpart Ahmet
Davutoglu. APA reports that following the meeting the ministers held
a press conference.

Ahmet Davutoglu said they had discussed the development of the
bilateral relations and situation in the region, particularly
settlement of Nagorno Karabakh conflict.

"We think we are very close to peace in the Caucasus. Everybody
should try not to lose this opportunity. Minsk Group should do its
best to increase the dynamics to solve the conflict. Our policy aims
to end occupations in the region and open the close doors. There is
all-round cooperation and coordination between Azerbaijan and Turkey
in all issues," he said.

Elmar Mammadyarov said they had discussed the urgent issues and
problems.

"First of all we discussed the most serious security problem in the
region, Nagorno Karabakh conflict. We believe that occupation and
the problem of refugees is the biggest obstacle for the stability
and development. How can we speak about peace and security while 20
percent of Azerbaijan’s territories are under occupation?" he said.

Elmar Mammadyarov noted that Turkey-Azerbaijan relations were on the
highest level.

"Our presidents often meet, talk, the meeting of the intergovernmental
commission will be held next year," he said.

Then the ministers responded the questions of journalists. APA
correspondent reminded about Prime Minister Erdogan’s statement in the
United States on the dependence of ratification of the Turkish-Armenian
protocols on the parliament and asked Davutoglu about the fate of
protocols. Davutoglu said the Turkish parliament’s will is superior:
"The Prime Minister explained the policy of our government toward
this issue for many times. The issue was also discussed in the United
States and our position was explained there. We sincerely wish to
normalize relations with Armenia".

Turkish journalist asked about the recent misunderstandings between
Azerbaijan and Turkey stressing that Davutoglu has visited Azerbaijan
for four times since his appointment to the ministerial post, but
Mammadyarov visits Turkey officially for the first time. Davutoglu
said they would never allow misunderstandings between Turkey and
Azerbaijan. "We are regularly holding consultations and meeting
frequently, sometime we are talking with Mr. Mammadyarov everyday.

There is a principle of "One nation, two states" for that. We can
solve any discord by the talks. The historic ties between Azerbaijan
and Turkey will never be cut".

Mammadyarov also confirmed his colleague’s ideas and reminded
that Turkey was the first country recognizing the independence of
Azerbaijan. "Azerbaijani state and people always feel the support
of Turkey. It is some ridiculous to evaluate the relations for
the number of visits. I frequently visit Istanbul to be on transit
during my travels abroad. This is not my first visit to Turkey. I
have been on working visits to Turkey for many times. We are talking
as the brothers".