Azerbaijani Parliamentarian Cemil Hasanli said that he does not believe that Turkish Grand National Assembly will ratify the protocols that proposes normalization of relations with Armenia.
Steps towards lifting the isolation against Armenia and signing of protocols toward normalization of relations between Turkey and Armenia caused strain in the relations between Turkey and Azerbaijan. Turkey closed her borders to Armenia following the occupation of Nagorno-Karabakh in Azerbaijan in 1993. Turkey and Armenia signed protocols in the mediation of Switzerland in Zurich in October. Foreign Ministers of Russia, France and United States were present at the signing ceremony. Protocols that propose establishment of diplomatic relations and development of bilateral ties, wait for the ratification of the parliaments of both countries. But what was the impact of these developments on Turkey-Azerbaijan relations. What is the Azerbaijani approach on this issue?
Azerbaijanis stress that they do not understand why would Turkey end isolation against Armenia although occupation is being continued. Giving an interview to Voice of America Turkish, Azerbaijani Parliamentarian Cemil Hasanli said, "Why did Turkey close the borders to Armenia? Because Armenia occupied Azerbaijani lands. Did the occupier withdraw from the occupied land? No. Then what did change for borders to be opened?"
Hasanli states that there is a pressure on Turkey to open borders with Armenia. Azerbaijani politician does not think that Turkey will make a decision due to external pressure. "I do not expect that Turkish Parliament will ratify the protocols," said he.
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