TURKEY STANDS FOR PEACEFUL RESOLUTION OF KARABAKH CONFLICT
PanARMENIAN.Net
01.03.2010 11:35 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ South Caucasus is in focus of Turkey’s foreign
policy, Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu wrote in "Regional
approach to global peace" piece of opinion published in Russia in
Global Policy journal.
"Since the South Caucasus countries regained independence, Turkey has
tried its best for establishment of peace and stability in the region.
Turkey was among the pioneer countries to recognize independence of
the former soviet republics, including Armenia. As to relations with
Azerbaijan, these have always been fraternal due to the commonness
of our culture, history and language. Close political ties with Baku
are maintained through frequent mutual visits, continuous dialog
and solidarity in issues representing common interests. Bilateral
trade totaled $2.5 billion. Besides, Turkey is the major investor in
Azerbaijan’s economy," Davutoglu wrote.
"Being a member of the OSCE Minsk Group, Turkey stands for a peaceful
resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. It’s regretful that the
settlement mechanism has produced no positive result so far.
Meanwhile, the ongoing dialog between Presidents Ilham Aliyev and
Serzh Sargsyan is of utmost importance. The Minsk Group remains to
be the only international instrument for the conflicting sides to
reach a peaceful agreement," he continued.
"Our relationship with Armenia is a missing element in the picture we
would like to see in the South Caucasus. Nevertheless, we not lose
hope that ties with Armenia will be normalized. Confidence-building
measures taken in 2009 provided a good momentum for a universal
agreement. Titanic efforts and intense talks led to signature of
Protocols envisaging normalization of relations between the two
countries," Davutoglu wrote.
Meanwhile, the Turkish Minister did not fail to link the
Armenian-Turkish rapprochement to resolution of the Karabakh conflict.
"With a comprehensive agreement on Karabakh we will overcome the
barriers on the way to regional cooperation and peace," he said. "The
ruling of the Armenian Constitutional Court emerged as an unexpected
obstacle that should be removed. If both sides behave adequately,
the Protocols will be ratified by the Turkish parliament soon, paving
the way for a future of peace, glory and cooperation."
The Protocols aimed at normalization of bilateral ties and opening of
the border between Armenia and Turkey were signed in Zurich by Armenian
Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian and his Turkish counterpart Ahmet
Davutoglu on October 10, 2009, after a series of diplomatic talks
held through Swiss mediation.
On January 12, 2010, the Constitutional Court of the Republic of
Armenia found the protocols conformable to the country’s Organic Law.
The conflict between Nagorno Karabakh and Azerbaijan broke out in
1988, as result of the ethnic cleansing the latter launched in the
final years of the Soviet Union. The Karabakh War was fought from
1991 (when the Nagorno Karabakh Republic was proclaimed) to 1994
(when a ceasefire was sealed by Armenia, NKR and Azerbaijan). Most
of Nagorno Karabakh and a security zone consisting of 7 regions is
now under control of NKR defense army. Armenia and Azerbaijan are
holding peace talks mediated by the OSCE Minsk Group up till now.
From: Baghdasarian