Signing of protocols between Turkey and Armenia is unreasonable: Azerbaijani parliament's first vice speaker

"Azerbaijan's position on the Armenian-Turkish relations was known in advance and we are committed to it. We were against the signing of these protocols," the First Deputy Speaker, chairman of the parliamentary committee on security and defense Ziyafet Asgarov told the official Web site of the ruling New Azerbaijan Party (NAP).

Foreign Ministers Ahmet Davutoglu of Turkey and Edward Nalbandyan of Armenia signed Turkey-Armenia protocols to resume diplomatic relations and reopen border in Zurich on Oct. 10.

Asgarov said Turkish officials said during their visits to Azerbaijan and in their country that borders with Armenia will not be opened unless Armenia puts an end to its occupation policy.

"For this reason, the signing of protocols between Turkey and Armenia looks unreasonable. Because Armenia and Western officials have stated that the signing of the protocols should not be linked to the Nagorno-Karabakh problem. We supported parallel discussions over both issues. The signing ceremony in Zurich was attended by the foreign ministers of co-chair countries of the OSCE Minsk Group. On the one hand, they say that they are separate issues and on the other hand, the ceremony was attended by the foreign ministers of co-chair countries. This fact shows that this process is directly related to the Nagorno-Karabakh issue," said chairman of the committee.

Asgarov said the opening of borders in the current circumstances is contrary to the interests of Azerbaijan.

"If the border is opened without liberation of our occupied territories, it will be a blow to the back of Azerbaijan. Because such an action does not correspond to the logic and spirit of the friendly and brotherly relations between Azerbaijan and Turkey. This should not occur between the friendly and brotherly countries. We consider Turkey a fraternal country and expect reciprocity. I would like to believe that these protocols will not be ratified by the Turkish Parliament. President, prime minister, foreign minister and chairman of the Turkish Parliament should remain true to their words," said the first vice speaker.

/Trend News/