Turkish MP: Resolving Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict would be a step towards opening of Turkish-Armenian border

Was RPP satisfied with outcomes of PM Erdogan’s U.S. trip in terms of the normalization of the Turkey-Armenia relations?

To be frank, we are dissatisfied with outcomes of this visit because both Prime Minister Erdogan and Armenian President Sargsyan in their remarks noted that Zurich protocols remain in force. They stated that they will try to continue the normalization process.

Maybe it looks normal from the standpoint of diplomacy. But this is not normal from the perspective of Turkey. If Armenia does not want to withdraw from the occupied Azerbaijani territories, if the Armenian Constitutional Court does not accept the protocols in the form in which they were signed and makes some changes to them in its own interest, Turkey must take necessary steps to withdraw from the protocols.  

When Turkey signed the protocols in Zurich, there were no comments by the Constitutional Court of Armenia. These comments appeared later, and there was no sign of Turkish officials. So, let them explain about what protocols we are talking about.

About those signed in Zurich or those that have been changed by Armenia? Changing the protocols, Armenia has practically demonstrated disrespect for Turkey’s signature and violated the agreement unilaterally.

These issues were discussed at the Erdogan-Obama meeting in Washington a week ago. In your opinion, could the parties reach any results in this issue?

Details of meetings with Obama remain secret. Surely, to avoid confusion and misunderstanding among the public, officials refused to elaborate on it. But we already know that the U.S. insists on establishing relations with Armenia and opening of borders. Erdogan certainly faced pressure in this matter during the meeting with Obama.
 
Regardless of how many times Prime Minister may say that Turkey will open the border after occupation of Azerbaijani territories is terminated, this argument does not suit Americans. Of course, resolving the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict would be a step towards opening of Turkish-Armenian border.

We do not want eternal animosity with the neighbors. But if a neighbor keeps territory of a neighboring and brotherly state under occupation, we must react to it. As we see, Armenia does not even think about leaving Azerbaijan territories.Armenians have persuaded themselves that Karabakh is their land. At this stage, Turkey has done everything possible to normalize relations while actions taken by the opposite side are inadequate.

From your point of view, will Barack Obama utter the word “genocide” on April 24?

Probably not. I think that he will make a traditional speech on the events of 1915. Obama understands how this question is important for Turkey. Washington saw Turkey’s harsh reaction to the move by the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives.

Very serious processes are going on in our region at the moment. America understands the role that Turkey can play in solving the Middle East problem and, of course, in the Iranian issue. The U.S. does not want to spoil relations with Turkey because of the "Armenian genocide".

During the U.S visit, referring to "Armenian genocide" Sargsyan said the "butchers of our people have left us no choice." He noted that Armenia will never give up "genocide" claims. Did Turkey provide any reaction to this statement?

Turkey’s officials should not sit at a table with a man who called Turkish people executioners. The Armenian president must be careful in his words if he wants to sit at the same table with Turkey’s representatives. Turkey has heard insult towards it from Armenia on many occasions, but have left them without response. Anyway, I think that someday we need to put an end to this.


/Day.Az/