I do not think Turkey-Armenia border will open soon: Turkish parliamentarian

Day.Az: Armenian-Turkish protocols are expected to be ratified by the parliament in near future. Can one expect opening of the borders after this?

Shukru Elekdag: For the opening of borders protocols must first be approved by the Foreign Affairs Committee and then ratified by parliament. But I think that the parliament will not approve these protocols. Because they do not reflect some of the points that Turkey is concerned with. So, I do not think that the border will open soon.

Q: The protocols indicate two-month timeframe for opening of borders…

A: This timeframe will be in effect after ratification of the protocols. But the question of ratification, as can be seen, is at a standstill.

Q:What can hinder the ratification?

A: First, there is a promise by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan to parliaments and peoples of Turkey and Azerbaijan. He will certainly keep his word.

Secondly, the parliamentary Committee on History has sent a few queries regarding the protocols to the Foreign Affairs Committee. These queries underlined Turkey's concerns about the protocols. The protocols do not indicate that the Armenians give up their baseless claims about the "Armenian genocide". They oppose creation of a joint commission to investigate the 1915 events. Also, they do not approve the Kars Treaty. So, these protocols may turn not only against Azerbaijan, but also Turkey. Therefore, the Turkish parliament may not ratify the protocols in their current form. We can not make a historic mistake once again.

Q: At one time those in Ankara promised not to sign the very protocols that are now already signed ...

A: He promised not to open the border till the solution of the Karabakh problem.

Recently, during an informal conversation, he reiterated his words. Erdogan said that the promise of opening the borders after the return of occupied territories is a matter of honor for him. The promise of prime minister is not his own promise, but a promise on behalf of the Turkish nation and state. He can not get away from his promise. As RPP, we will act as a guarantor that the prime minister keeps his promise.

Q: But the parliamentary majority of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) will back ratification of the protocols ...

A: AKP can not unanimously vote for ratification. When we asked the prime minister "Do you think Azerbaijan and Armenia have the same significance for Turkey?", he replied: "I have no right to even compare them. It will be unfair. Importance of Azerbaijan to Turkey can be compared with nothing. Members of the AKP, prime minister and the president understand that Azerbaijan is 100 times more valuable to Turkey than Armenia. The government will allow losing Azerbaijan for acquisition of Armenia.

Q: The news which said Azerbaijan’s flag will not be allowed to the stadium in Bursa, which hosted Armenia-Turkey football match, was  negatively perceived in Azerbaijan and Turkey. With what this process will end?

A: This disappointed us. We are saddened by the fact that there were flags of Armenia and “NGR”in the stadium. Unfortunately, the international forces and FIFA intervened and we were not able to influence the situation. Of course, Turkey should apologize to Azerbaijan.

Q: What do you a see as a reason for Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu’s upcoming visit to Azerbaijan?

A: He probably will trip to Azerbaijan to resolve the differences. He is obliged to explain all nuances of the protocols to the people and government of Azerbaijan. In addition, he certainly will ask Azerbaijan’s support in a number of issues.

Q: How do you feel about statements of the Azerbaijani side to revise the prices of energy sold to Turkey?

A: Turkey, precisely thanks to Azerbaijan, has become energy exporting country. Today, Turkey plays role of energy bridge between Asia and Europe. Turkey understands this very well. To refuse all of this, Turkey should be deprived of reason. Azerbaijan highly appreciates friendship with Turkey and is aware the value of this fraternity. Surely it does not want to prejudice that brotherhood.

Q: What are your views about establishing business ties with Armenia soon?

A: Turkish firms will not find that market in Armenia which they have in Azerbaijan. Smart executives will not agree to this. Only companies whose leadership include Armenians, seek to business with Armenia. In recent days, reports about oppression towards Turkish companies in Azerbaijan appeared in media. I do not believe it. I think that we should stop speculating on this topic. There is no need to instigate trouble between brothers. There is a need to unite against enemies of Turks, rather than to be at odds with each other.

/Day.Az/