Turkish MP: In the near future, Turkey might become the fourth co-chair of OSCE Minsk Group

- What do you think about the current state of Turkish-Armenian relations?

- It is impossible to say that Turkey and Armenia have good relations. And it lasts a long time. Unsolved problems are not a solution. Armenia continues occupation of Azerbaijani lands. You should know the following, and this is important - the Turkish parliament, government and opposition will never take steps that might cause concern in Azerbaijan. This opinion was also voiced by our respected Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. He said this in open during his recent visit to Azerbaijan.

- Armenian officials stated that the process of normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations has been delayed because of the Turkish side. It was noted that the parties have reached agreements, but due to delaying the process by the Turkish side and in conditions of the respective statements, the process has been delayed to some extend. What is Armenia trying to say?

- Both Turkey and Armenia have an internal policy. Naturally, in my view, such kinds of statements might be voiced inside the country. Several months ago Turkish opposition stated that the normalization process supposedly completed. Similar statements were heard in Azerbaijan as well.

And what happened then? Mr Erdogan arrived in Baku, met with President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. The parties negotiated, made statements. Naturally, there are many people distorting the truth. We can see it in terms of international relations as well.

But most important things lie within the statements of officials of the states. I am not a representative on Foreign Relations in the parliament, but I understand that probably in the negotiating process, dates are specified, the parties  are called upon to solve problems within a specified time frame. Perhaps, in this context, they have produced some documents, and now the same is expected of Turkey.

I do not think that this should be exaggerated. Citizens of Azerbaijan, first of all, should know the following - Turkish people and deputies they choose are not supporters of causing any damage to Azerbaijan and are sensitive in these issues.

But, God forbid, the necessary steps will be made by the Armenians to liberate the occupied Azerbaijani territories, the rights of refugees and displaced persons will be restored, and the solution of all problems will be launched. The people of Turkey do not think otherwise.

- And how would you comment on the Turkish-Armenian "football diplomacy" and statements by the President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan who said that the border between the two countries will open, and he will visit Turkey to see the football match between teams of Turkey and Armenia?

- In my opinion, the solution of those problems that I pointed out is not possible before the match. That is, if Sargsyan visits Turkey, it will happen only after the solution of all these problems. That is, only after the settlement of existing problems with Azerbaijan and Turkey.

- How do you value the repeatedly voiced statements of the Armenian side that Turkey should not interfere in the process of settling the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict?

- This is wrong. Because Turkey should not be left out of developments in the geography where it belongs. What do we usually say about us? We are one nation, two states. Turkic countries in our geography must find a way to cooperation. Countries of this geography gained independence and Turkey was always close to these countries, helping to solve their problems, despite existence of its own. This process should be intensified. So, they seem to be telling us: "Do not pay attention to Karabakh, and mind your own business".

Turkey is not a small country. Turkey is not limited to its borders. Turkey helps both Afghanistan and Syria to solve problems. Turkey carries out the mediation mission to resolve various problems and can not remain indifferent to the problems of fraternal Azerbaijan. I do not believe that someone in Turkey thinks otherwise.

- Both Armenian and the Azeri press have recently written much about Turkey's possible becoming the fourth mediator of the Minsk Group, aimed to solve the Karabakh conflict. Do you think it is necessary for Turkey to become the fourth co-chair of OSCE Minsk Group?

- Yes, it must. If Turkey becomes the fourth co-chair of OSCE Minsk Group, our Azerbaijani friends will be more convenient to take any steps to resolve the conflict. I think Turkey may soon become the fourth co-chair of OSCE Minsk Group.

As I noted earlier, Turkey is strong and, God forbid, we will continue to take joint steps to resolve the Karabakh problem.

/Day.Az/