TURKISH FM: AZERBAIJAN IS AWARE OF ALL NEGOTIATIONS BETWEEN TURKEY AND ARMENIA

Trend
April 20 2010
Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan is aware of all the negotiations that Turkey holds for the
normalization of relations, Turkey Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu
said today in Ankara on the eve of his visit to Baku, Anadolu agency
reported.

"We always inform Azerbaijan about this issue [the normalization
of Armenian-Turkish relations]. Turkey has seriously thought over
each step before putting his signature [on the Zurich protocols]," –
Davutoglu said at a joint press conference with Iraqi Vice President
Tariq Al-Hashimi.

Davutoglu arrived today in Baku on a working visit to discuss
the results of meetings in the U.S. and the settlement of
Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict with the country’s
leadership. Before arriving in Baku Davutoglu said that without
ratification of the Armenian-Turkish protocols Turkey will not open
borders with Armenia.

"Henceforth, given the political views of all sides the policy will be
much calmer and not so open. Turkey remains committed to all the signed
documents and the process of normalizing relations with Armenia," –
Davutoglu said.

Regarding President Serzh Sargsyan’ statements on whether Turkey can
open borders with Armenia without the ratification of the protocols,
Davutoglu categorically refused, adding that "Sargsyan expressed his
hopes and expectations, but Turkey in no case will include the opening
of the borders without the ratification of protocols in the agenda."