It is essential that Turkey keeps its promise: Azerbaijani presidential administration official

He said it is possible to achieve progress in resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict before the Turkey-Armenia border is reopened.

“Baku keeps close eye on ongoing processes between Turkey and Armenia and hopes that Ankara would not take steps contrary to national interests of Azerbaijan.”

Mammadov recalling the statement  Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan made during his visit to Baku in May noted that Ankara has expressed its position clearly: borders with Armenia will not reopen without a progress in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

“In the ongoing negotiations the Turkish side has shown strong, specific and harsh stance. The documents were signed because Armenia armed forces have occupied Azerbaijani lands. Borders will reopen only after the conflict is resolved. Whatever statements Armenian leadership makes, the whole world knows that the borders are closed because of the Armenia’s  occupation of Azerbaijani lands.”

Novruzov said Baku was aware of beginning of discussion between Turkey and Armenia. “This issue was discussed last week during a telephone conversation between Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and President Ilham Aliyev and Azerbaijan has once again stated its position.”  

“We state only that reopening of the Armenia-Turkey border is contrary to Azerbaijan’s interests. Turkey’s interests are close to the national interests of Azerbaijan,” he said.

Mammadov also expressed his attitude to statements that beginning of negotiations between Turkey and Armenia and the resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict are parallel processes. 

“It depends on the negotiation and on conditions made in the negotiations. I believe before the reopening of borders progress and a certain agreement can be achieved a in conflict resolution. The bottom line is that opening of borders does not contradict interests of Azerbaijan and that progress will be reached in resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. It is essential that the Turkish side keeps its promise,” Mammadov added.

/ANS TV/