The main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) and the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) have voiced strong disapproval of the prospect of thawing relations between Turkey and Armenia, shortly after the foreign minister remarked that borders could be opened around New Year’s Day.
Foreign Minister Ahmet Davuto“lu said on Tuesday that Turkey hopes to open its border with Armenia by the end of the year under a protocol to establish diplomatic ties. “If everything goes as planned and if mutual steps are taken, the borders could be opened around New Year’s,” the minister told the NTV.
Davuto“lu’s remarks, however, drew the ire of opposition parties, which accused the government of not keeping its promise to Azerbaijan. „Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdo“an had promised in Baku that Turkey would not open its border with Armenia unless this country leaves Nagorno-Karabakh. Turkey is now, however, in a position to break its promise. The government has damaged Turkey’s image abroad,” noted CHP Deputy Chairman Onur “ymen.
In 1993, after the Nagorno-Karabakh dispute broke out between Armenia and Azerbaijan, diplomatic ties between Armenia and Turkey became strained. Supporting its strategic ally Azerbaijan, Turkey closed its borders to Armenia to force the latter to respect the borders of neighboring countries.
The two countries announced late on Monday that they would sign accords within six weeks under a plan to end hostility.
“These accords will have repercussions for Azerbaijan. It is clear that the government is proceeding under directives from foreign countries,” “ymen claimed.
According to the CHP deputy chairman, the government turned its attention to ties with Armenia after it received harsh opposition on its plans concerning the Kurdish question. “Won’t the public ask the prime minister why he opened the border before Armenia left Nagorno-Karabakh? The government believes it has to obey when foreign countries tell it to do something. This is what we call a policy of surrendering,” “ymen remarked.
CHP “zmir deputy Canan Ar”tman said Turkey’s relations with Azerbaijan were of higher importance than its relations with Armenia. “Turkey cannot be engaged in actions against the interests of Azerbaijan. Apparently, there is only one party that will benefit from this protocol. It is Armenia. Neither Turkey nor Azerbaijan will benefit from this protocol,” she noted. Osman “ak”r, deputy chairman of the MHP, said his party would favor the idea of normalization of relations between Turkey and Armenia. “However, we don’t see a change in the hostile stance [of Armenia] against Turkey. Why is this country conducting such a hostile campaign against Turkey in the international arena? What kind of a mindset is this?” he asked.
MHP Ankara deputy Deniz B“l”kba“” termed Turkey agreeing to sign a protocol with Armenia as a 's tep back” on its position. “Armenia has not taken a step back on any issue. It did not even promise to comply with international law. The Turkish nation wants to trust its prime minister. If the prime minister is not lying, then Armenia should leave Nagorno-Karabakh by the end of this year,” the deputy said.
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
