Implementation of conditions of Armenian-Turkish protocols is still far: Turkish parliamentarian

Day.Az: International Affairs Committee of the Turkish Parliament headed by Chairman Murad Mercan is going to visit Azerbaijan. Can you clarify the details of this visit?

Mehmet Ceylan: I do not have accurate information about the purpose and timing of the visit. Parliamentarians of Turkey and Azerbaijan often make reciprocal visits. This shows high level of inter-parliamentary ties between the two countries. We can discuss the issues that serve interests of both countries and make joint decisions. Recently the issue of the protocols has led to some concern in both countries. Now there is a need for frequent meetings and addressing this concern.

Q: Will Turkey-Armenia border open soon?

A: The implementation of items and terms of the Armenian-Turkish protocols is still far. Following the recommendation of the Cabinet of Ministers, the International Affairs Committee of Parliament should adopt the protocol. Then must come the turn of parliamentary ratification. Under the law, the ratified document must be approved by the president. Only then that document takes legal effect and implementation of its items can be launched.  

Q: As an MP from the ruling party, how do you explain the willingness of the Turkish government to open the border? The causes behind the border closure has not yet been resolved ...

A: The current government of Turkey seeks to establish normal relations with all neighboring countries. Problems can not remain unsolved forever. There is a need to solve them. Without negotiations, gradual warming is impossible. When we wanted to improve relations with Armenia, we did not want deterioration of relations with Azerbaijan. Of course, for us Azerbaijan's interests are paramount.

Prime minister and the president of Turkey has repeatedly stated that Turkey will not take a step contrary to Azerbaijan’s interests. Turkey wants a speedy resolution to the Karabakh problem. Over these 17 years, while the Turkish-Armenian border has been closed, the Karabakh problem has not been resolved and the sides have not achieved any intermediate results. Turkey intends to triple its efforts to return territories of Azerbaijan.

The Azerbaijani side must understand the positive intention of Turkey. Today, Turkey is one of the forces accepted by all in the Caucasus region. Turkey will play an active role in the fate of this region along with Russia and Iran. I am sure that Azerbaijan will benefit from intensified Turkish efforts most of all in the region.

Q: Will you vote for the ratification of the protocols?

A: During the discussions, I will propose not to put protocols to vote without Azerbaijan’s consent  and till concrete results are achieved in solving the Karabakh issue. If protocols are put to the vote before reaching any concrete results in solving the Karabakh problem, I will vote against.

Q: Burden of responsibility of the promise and the documents signed are not equal. What to believe – the promises or documents signed?

A: The adoption of this document does not mean its immediate execution. At the international level many documents are adopted, which remain on paper. I'm not saying that this document will not be executed. We are subject to time and time will show. I assure you that there is no reason for concern. The Turkish government thinks primarily about the interests of Azerbaijan.

Q: How do you feel about the "crisis of a flag” which was observed after a football match in Bursa?

A: During a football match I was abroad. So I do not know the details of these events. Decision to exclude the Azerbaijani flag at the stadium came from FIFA.

Q: The Turkish media reported that the decision about the flag originally did not come from FIFA ...

A: This is not true. Armenia appealed to FIFA asking them not to allow Azerbaijani flag into the stadium. FIFA also warned Turkey. Prefect of Bursa initially banned flags of third countries in the stadium. But then rescinded its ban. Then, Armenia once again appealed to FIFA and they once again intervened. The culprit of this prohibition is not Turkey, but Armenia and FIFA.

/Day.Az/