A seminar on Turkish-Azerbaijani relations aiming to address concerns in the post-crisis era between the two nations began in “stanbul yesterday, organized by the Foundation for Political, Economic and Social Research (SETA).
Conference attendees ranged from civil society organization representatives, press, parliamentarians and government officials from both countries. Rabiyyat Aslanova, a deputy of the ruling Yeni Azerbaijan (New Azerbaijan) Party and head of the Azerbaijani Parliament’s Human Rights Committee; Vefa Guluzade, former national security advisor to late Azerbaijani President Haydar Aliyev; Sava“Bark“„n, Turkish prime ministry head consultant; and Suat K“n„kl“o”lu, a deputy in the Turkish Parliament, were among the participants.
“It is a very hot topic,” said SETA General Coordinator Taha “zhan while opening the conference. “There are many levels of discussion that need to be discovered and addressed, ranging from politics, to economics and societies. SETA’s offer for the Caucasus Cooperation and Stability Platform has been a case in point, heavily promoted by officials as well,” he added. Touching upon other countries of the region,”zhan said, “There will also be seminars related to Georgia and Russia, perhaps not later than September.”
Speaking after “zhan, Sava” Bark“”n, noted that there were many problems associated with the region, also asserting that there are few places in the world where people of many different ethnic backgrounds and religions live together. “There is a power threat, yet cooperation in the Caucasus,” he quipped. Pointing out to the lasting friendship these two countries have enjoyed, he said: “Our principle in relations with Azerbaijan is based on “brotherhood.’ No change has been made and there will be no change in this brotherhood. Turkish-Azerbaijani relations are based on very solid ground.”
Rabiyyat Aslanova, a deputy from the Azerbaijani Parliament, insisted that Azerbaijani-Turkish relations not be based on emotions but pure pragmatism, as the unity and brotherhood between these countries is not subject to debate. Speaking at the conference’s opening, Aslanova stressed the historical and cultural ties between two countries, saying: “Azerbaijan and Turkey have an old history and possess a joint political future. It should go on to realize the phrase, “one nation, two states.’” Aslanova also suggested SETA set up conferences focusing on the other Turkic republics as well.
Rov“en”brahimov, a professor from Baku Qafqaz University and a keynote speaker at the conference, told Today’s Zaman: “Allied countries always have problems at some point in their relations. Relations between these two countries were constantly rising and developing, and it is normal if these relations sometimes fluctuate.” He continued to say that the conference aimed to address and take on these misunderstandings. Speaking on Turkey’s recent moves toward rapprochement with Armenia, he said: “Turkey should work more closely with the Armenian diaspora, because the diaspora has a great deal of leverage with Armenia while the Armenian government has no power to pressure the diaspora. It is noteworthy to say that the diaspora is the driving force for the
Southern Caucasus expert Kamer Kas“m from the International Strategic and Research Organization (ISRO) told Today’s Zaman: “Azerbaijani-Turkish relations deteriorated after Turkey and Armenia declared that they had agreed on a roadmap. However, this kind of conference assists in restoring the previous unity and brotherhood between these countries.”
SETA, a think-tank focusing on political and economic affairs, also organized a seminar on Turkish-Armenian relations in May 2009. SETA plans to organize seminars on Georgia and Russia in the months ahead.
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
