Turkish MP: Ratification of Turkey-Armenia protocols is not on agenda

When the Armenia-Turkey protocols on normalization of relations are likely to be ratified?

The protocols may be ratified only after Turkey is willing to do so. No one can exert pressure on Turkey in this matter as the country is governed by the Turkish people. We do not act upon outside orders. Turkey pursues an expedient policy which will not change under some pressure. Those who believe that Turkey is acting under an order are mistaken. So far, the AKP has acted only in line with its own plan which aims only at benefiting Turkey.

The delay in ratification is due to further development of Armenian-Azerbaijani peace talks. Turkey is closely watching this process and is waiting for its end.

You are represented in the ruling party leadership. Can you say with confidence that the Turkish parliament will not ratify the protocols till the Karabakh conflict is resolved?

We keep a close eye on the peace process. It all depends on how the problem will be solved. Vagaries of some of our neighbors prevent Turkey from achieving its goals. Turkey wants changes for the better in our region. The conflict has a destructive effect on this process. I can only say that ratification of the protocols is not on the agenda and unlikely to be put into the agenda in near future. Azerbaijan should not be concerned over this matter.

Armenia consistently hinders the peace process while Turkey is trying to improve relations with the country which is an obstacle to peace ...

Turkey believes in power of diplomacy. In any case we must try to solve the problem at the negotiating table and achieve a peaceful solution. Protracting the conflict does not meet interests of not only Turkey but also that of Armenia and Azerbaijan.

As an expert on international affairs, what is your vision of a just resolution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict?

I am supporter of diplomacy and negotiation and an opponent of a war. The peace process conducted by the OSCE Minsk Group is the most acceptable option. Today the South Caucasus has become like the Middle East. This small region periodically witnesses large-scale military confrontation. The current situation in the region does not satisfy Turkey. Turkey seeks to make the Caucasus a region of peace, security and cooperation.

Though the OSCE Minsk Group has been engaged in resolving the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict for already 16 years, no result has been achieved yet…

Large states are usually distinguished for wise actions. This problem may only be solved by rational approach and wise policy. The Soviet Union does not exist any more and Azerbaijan does not act under somebody’s dictation. Azerbaijan is an independent state and an important figure in international politics. Azerbaijan has a good understanding of the intricacies of regional politics. I believe that Azerbaijan should be committed to a peaceful solution to the conflict.

It is said that Armenia took a tough stance in the Karabakh negotiations following a thaw in Turkey-Armenia relations…

The Minsk Group was not acting so intensive before the protocols were discussed. The negotiations have been intensified today. On the other hand, Azerbaijan should not respond with radicalization to Armenia’s radicalization. In this case, the international community will see who obstructs a peaceful solution to the conflict. A rational policy would add to a number of Azerbaijan’s  allies.

Do you mean Turkey must recognize the so-called "Armenian genocide"?

Problems can not be regarded only as an internal affair of a country. International principles and world opinion should be taken as a basis in this respect.

What if international opinion favors Armenia?

In any case, both Turkey and Azerbaijan should show the world their just position. This is possible only by means of a wise policy based on truth. We must prove to the world that we are a peace-loving, democratic country that respects rights of neighboring peoples.

Turkish opposition accuses the ruling party of unreasonable concessions to Armenia. The opposition argues that Turkey is not obliged to withdraw Armenia from crisis ...

Turkey is not making any concessions to Armenia. Simply Turkey is a superpower on a regional scale. Turkey is worried about the situation in the Caucasus. Turkey considers the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict to be not non-local, but a global problem. Thanks to its energy potential, Azerbaijan is open to the world. But Armenia is still in an isolated position. Turkey believes that the warming of Turkish-Armenian relations may mark beginning of an entirely new policy in the region. Turkey does not want to live in a volatile region with eternal conflicts. It wants the neighbors to live in a peaceful environment.


/Day.Az/