Interview of Sadik Yakut’s vice Speaker of the Turkish parliament, member of the ruling Justice and Development Party.
Q: On October 21, the Turkish parliament held general hearing on the Turkish-Armenian protocols signed in Zurich on October 10. Then the protocols were sent to the Foreign Relations commission. How is the current situation and how long the commission will discuss the protocols?
A: The formula of “One nation, Two countries” between Turkey and Azerbaijan is still in force and no one can break this formula. We are the people of one nation living in the different geographies. Rapprochement between our countries has rapidly developed in the different spheres in recent years. On the other hand, it is reality that our countries have friendly relations with their neighbors. From this point of view, Justice and Development Party (AKP) government wants to see Turkey as a country with zero-problem with its neighbors.
Earlier they said Turkey was surrounded with a sea from three sides and with enemy from four. We lifted this kind of thoughts and made it our purpose to create opportunity for the Turkish citizens to freely travel anywhere. We should have cultural, political and economic relations with our neighbors. This is our policy pursued since 2002. Armenia is our neighbor on borders. We all know about the problems between Armenia and Azerbaijan. While intending to normalize relations with Armenian, we have to defend rights of Azerbaijan, “one nation, two countries” with us.
Our authorities made statements toward this as well. We will keep all our promises, no one can doubt it. The protocols came to the parliament and are waiting now at the commission. But there can not be talks on the development of relations with Armenia without solution of Karabakh problem. Prime Minister of the Republic of Turkey promised it at both Turkish and Azerbaijani parliaments. Therefore let our Azerbaijani brothers and compatriots not to worry.
Both Turkey and Azerbaijan should make their economic and cultural relationship as possible as higher. We have to rapidly lift any gap created in the past. The governments and parliaments shouldn’t delay necessary steps to develop social, political, economic and cultural relations. We have to attach great importance to the joint education projects. If we strengthen mutual assistance and cooperation, we will together take place among the honorable countries in the world.
We should establish normal relations with the neighboring countries, strengthen our unity with the countries, which had similar language and culture in the past. In this case we will take our decent place in the competition of nations in the world.
Q: You viewed the relations from the broad prospect. High-level Turkey-Azerbaijan relations automatically make both countries strong in the region. Isn’t it high time to improve these relations with concrete contracts?
A: Azerbaijan should be strong, our relations should improve more, so that Turkish Republic can be strong in the region. Other Turkic-speaking states should also be strong. We can understand one another without mediators, we have similar customs, traditions, mentality. This is very important. We rejoice at or grieve over one and the same event. Therefore it should not be difficult for us to develop our cultural and political relations together with our economic relations.
Q: Isn’t it one of the best forms of cooperation to improve the relations through parliaments?
A: A decision has been made to establish Turkic-speaking states’ Parliamentary Assembly. Its first step was made in Baku. It is very important to achieve a unity of language in the process important for all the Turkic-speaking states. If we move forward this way, we will solve the other problems more easily. Implementation of joint projects in education is also important. Joint teaching programs should be prepared for brotherly countries. Our teachers should get ready to teach in the brotherly countries basing on these programs. We should focus attention on the unity of language. I believe we will achieve it. It will take some time, but our socio-political unity will be strong and eternal.
Q: And again about the protocols. Is there a compulsory term for the discussion and adoption of these documents in the parliament?
A: No, there is not. According to the regulations, there is no compulsory term for the discussion in the parliament. We are exchanging views with our Foreign Ministry concerning the protocols. There are promises and stipulations — the protocols will not be discussed in our parliament, unless the process of the release of the occupied Azerbaijani territories begins. We will always fulfill the terms dictated by the word “One nation, two states.” No one must doubt it.
APA
