Azerbaijani MP: I do not understand why Turkey can not become OSCE Minsk Group co-chair?!

Day.Az: Did the Turkey-Armenia protocols signed in Zurich have impact on Azerbaijan-Turkey relations?

Jamil Hasanli: Of course, signing of protocols had a negative impact on Azerbaijan-Turkey relations. But one should not forget that Turkey has supported Azerbaijan in the Karabakh conflict with Armenia for long years.

Q: What impact can the Platform of Stability and Cooperation in the Caucasus initiated by Turkey have on the situation in the region?

A: I think Turkey’s increased interest in the Caucasus is a positive factor. Turkey is located near our region and takes an active part in almost all regional projects.

Historically, Turkey was one of the three states that were present in the Caucasus. Later it was expelled from the Caucasus. Now it wants to return to the Caucasus, which is a natural process, and actively participates in all regional processes. Turkey has more right to this than other states that show interest in the Caucasus.

Q: How big is the role of Turkey in recently intensified Azerbaijan-Armenia talks on the Karabakh conflict?

A: You know, the press is not told  the basic principles on basis of which the negotiations are underway. But, I think this is correct, because, disclosing of details of the Armenian-Azerbaijani dialogue can directly harm the negotiation process itself before reaching any agreements.

Nevertheless, I do not think that there is a significant progress in the negotiations on the Karabakh issue. The OSCE Minsk Group creates illusion of success of the Armenian-Azerbaijani dialogue. It has to do so justify its existence in any way.

Regarding the structure of the OSCE Minsk Group, I believe that it should be formed on a rotating basis. For example, I do not understand why Turkey can not become co-chairman of OSCE Minsk Group? Russia, which is co-chairing the Minsk Group, has its military bases in Armenia and can be considered an impartial party while Turkey, which does not have such bases in Azerbaijan, is considered a country interested in the Karabakh conflict.

Also, I do not understand why we could not replace the biased France with neutral Germany.

The existence of the current structure of the co-chairs of the Minsk Group is aimed at protracting the Karabakh conflict in order to help Azerbaijan reconcile with the current status quo.

Q: Will the Armenian-Turkish protocols be ratified by the Turkish parliament?

A: I hesitate to answer to this question unambiguousy. I think that we should wait for developments. Nevertheless, I do not think that opening the borders between Turkey and Armenia will be a tragedy for us. Our main purpose is not to be an obstacle to the opening of the Armenian-Turkish borders, but a return of occupied Azerbaijani lands.

/Day.Az/