Serzh Sargsyan’s statement is obstacle to address our problems: Turkish MP

Day.Az: Recently Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan said he will visit Turkey to watch return match between the two countries’ football teams only after Ankara opens borders or makes an evident move to remove Armenia’s blockade. How can you comment on this statement?

Ruhi Achikgoz: I did not closely watch recent events, but I believe Armenia-Turkey talks and efforts to resolve the Karabakh conflict are going on. We are trying to establish a political dialogue. Turkey surely notifies Azerbaijan of this dialogue.

I think Armenian president should try to help us in solving common problems, because he understands that the fact that the Karabakh conflict is not resolved hinders Armenia in the eyes of world community and makes situation of Armenians and complex Armenia-Turkey relations even worse. These problems must be resolved. I hope that Sargsyan will contribute to solving these problems. The visit by Mr. Abdullah Gul to Yerevan, of course, was associated not only with watching a soccer match. The visit marked the first step to solving all problems, first of all the Karabakh conflict.

I think it would be more appropriate for Sargsyan to support this step. Because strong politicians can take a risk on the settlement of problems.

Q: When Turkish President  Abdullah Gul visited Armenia, he did not make any terms. But Armenian president Serzh Sargsyan does make terms. Is it a right move?

A: It will not be beneficial for bilateral relations. Sargsyan's statement which makes terms is one of the biggest obstacles to solve problems.

Q: How do you assess current level of Armenia-Turkey relations?

A: I believe the policy pursued by Turkish president and prime minister is right. Naturally, we constantly keep Armenia-Azerbaijan relations on agenda. We get familiar with the state of affairs and discuss it at various meetings with parliamentarians of both countries. We participate in all initiatives aimed at resolving the problems. But we certainly do not support a unilateral approach to the case. Turkey does not want the region where it is located to have problems.

This is confirmed by numerous statements by new Foreign Minister Ahmed Davudoglu. These challenges also include the Karabakh conflict and the so-called “Armenian Genocide.” Solution of these problems must not be delayed  because it does not benefit societies who are interested in addressing them.

Q: How do you assess the efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group to resolve the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict? As you know, two co-chairs will soon have to leave the group.

A: The main thing is the process. Someone’s leaving the group will not change anything. The settlement process must not be interrupted. I think that process will continue regardless of the departure of any of co-chair. We need to patiently wait for the outcome of the activities of the Minsk Group. There are long-standing problems that can not be solved quickly and easily. You need to wait. I think that this process will continue and activities of the Minsk Group will lead to positive results.

Q: Once it was widely believed that Turkey could help resolve the Karabakh conflict within the OSCE Minsk Group. This news prompted discontent in Armenia…

A: Naturally, an increase in those who contribute to resolving the conflict always brings benefits. I think that it may be beneficial to both Azerbaijan and Armenia. It is wrong to believe that the participation of Turkey in this process will benefit only Azerbaijan.

/Day.Az/