AZERBAIJAN HAS THE RIGHT TO LIBERATE ITS TERRITORIES BY ANY MEANS – HEAD OF THE PRESIDENTIAL ADMINISTRATION
Trend News Agency
April 2 2010
Azerbaijan
As part of the official visit to Turkey, Azerbaijan`s delegation
led by head of the Presidential Administration Ramiz Mehdiyev met,
in Ciragan Palace, representatives of the Turkish mass media, Azertaj
State News Agency reported.
Opening the event, Secretary General of the Turkish President`s Office
Mustafa Isen spoke of the meetings Mehdiyev had in Ankara.
In his remarks, Mehdiyev described his three-day visit to Turkey as
"very fruitful," during which, he added, he held discussions with
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, parliament`s speaker Mehmet Ali
Shahin and other officials.
He noted he also had productive discussions on the Azerbaijan-Turkey
relationship in Gazi University.
Answering Turkish journalists` questions about Azerbaijan, Mehdiyev
said the modern independent Azerbaijani statehood was founded by
national leader Heydar Aliyev, and President Ilham Aliyev successfully
continues his policy.
He said his country, a regional leader according to Western analysts,
is developing very rapidly. He added dynamic development was underway
in both capital Baku and the regions. "Economic situation in Azerbaijan
is very good, so, despite the global financial crisis, GDP has grown
by 9, 3 percent in the country."
Touching upon the democratic situation in Azerbaijan, Mehdiyev said
successful reforms are underway in the country to protect human rights.
He said President Ilham Aliyev`s policy, paves the way for Azerbaijan
to become one of the democratic and developed countries. "The
Azerbaijani people are happy for having such President as Ilham
Aliyev. The people love him and support his policy."
Mehdiyev said no one could interfere in the Azerbaijan-Turkey
relationship which, he stressed, is at the highest level.
Head of the Presidential Administration also touched upon the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, saying official Yerevan demonstrates
non-constructive position on the ongoing negotiations to settle
the dispute, and declares that it does no agree with the Madrid
principles. "Though these principles do not satisfy Azerbaijan,
we assess them as a stage."
He noted unfortunately, the OSCE Minsk Group, engaged in settling the
conflict for 20 years, does not demand Armenia to stop the aggression
against Azerbaijan. "We have the right to liberate our territories
by any means," he added.
Mehdiyev underlined Azerbaijan has strong army, and reforms to develop
the military industry in the country are underway.
He also pointed out the Azerbaijani people was pleased with Turkey`s
position that it will not ratify the protocols signed with Armenia,
unless Yerevan withdraw its troops from the occupied territories. "We
must not forget that Armenia also claims the territories of Turkey."
Azerbaijan also supports Turkey, "a fraternal country", to fight
activities of the Armenian lobby and their supporters. After the U.S.
House Committee on Foreign Affairs passed a decision on the so-called
Armenian genocide President Ilham Aliyev declared that he stands side
by side with fraternal Turkey.
According to Mehdiyev, Azerbaijan also praises the fact that Turkey
and Russia have recently increased efforts towards settling the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
Mehdiyev also called on the two countries` some journalists to avoid
writing reports against each-other, adding "you should mainly focus
on fighting those forces that have hostility towards our countries
and peoples."
Following the meeting, a reception was given in Topkapi Palace for
the delegation of Azerbaijan`s Presidential Administration on behalf
of Istanbul Governor Muammer Guler.