We will prevent implementation of Turkey-Armenia protocols’ provisions: Turkish parliamentarian

Day.Az: How do you assess the parliamentary debates on the Turkish-Armenian protocols?

Ogtay Vural: Since the beginning of the first Turkish-Armenian debate, we have serious concerns about their results. The protocols do not meet interests of the Turkish nation. They were kept in secret for people for long. We heard primary information about them from the U.S. president.

During the discussions in the parliament I noted that we all know the purpose and core of Armenia. Armenia still shows Eastern Anatolia as Western Armenia is its maps and books. During a flight to Bursa, Sargsyan’s plane depicted Armenia’s coats of arms which included of the Mount Ağrı. Armenia still accuses Turkey of "genocide". Armenia has occupied Azerbaijan’s territory, leaving millions of our brothers and sisters without homes. It has committed the Khojaly massacre. Today, we blame the other heads of state of murder of babies. Then why we do not blame Armenians for similar crimes? The Turkish-Armenian warming is unacceptable till the last inch of Azerbaijani lands is liberated. The NMP will do its utmost to prevent  fulfillment of the protocols’ provisions.

The AKP government is well aware that the Armenian issue is too serious and can lead to undesirable consequences. The Turkish people will not tolerate this.

Q: Turkey persistently assures Azerbaijan that border with Armenia will not open. What are your views about this?

A: We have serious concerns. These fears are based on Turkey’s dual attitude to the protocols related with its problem neighbors. Turkey had earlier signed a protocol on entrance of Cypriot vessels to Turkish ports. However, the protocol was not submitted to parliament for ratification. But the Turkish-Armenian protocols were immediately sent to the parliament and the discussions began. We see that much more effort is made in the Armenian issue. We think that this is no accident. There are some points that we are unaware. 

Q: Turkey announces that it always keeps the Karabakh issue on the agenda in all negotiations, and that this position was not forgotten during the discussion over the protocols…

A: The return of part of Azerbaijan’s territories are discussed in the negotiation process within the OSCE Minsk Group. Armenians can take tactical moves. For example, they may free Azerbaijan’s 5 regions. This does not mean that they will liberate other territories as well. In this way they can throw dust to the eyes of Turkey and international community. Serzh Sargsyan watches military exercises in Karabakh while the protocols are being discussed. This is a show of force. He hints that no force can make them to withdraw. If in response to such blatant actions by Armenia we wish to maintain a friendship with him, it means we ignore Azerbaijan at such a time.

Q: The Azerbaijani opposition has proposed to jointly discuss the latest developments with the Turkish opposition. How do you evaluate this proposal?

A: We do not differentiate between authorities and opposition in national matters. We are one nation and, naturally, we should be able to jointly solve national problems. We are ready to meet and talk with everyone for the sake of nation’s interests. All true Turks in Turkey are ready to sacrifice their blood for Azerbaijan and we are among them. Certainly, there is a need to discuss the latest developments with the authorities and opposition in Azerbaijan and to demonstrate a unified stance.

/Day.Az/