“While Turkish-Armenian relations are normalizing, relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia have also to be normalized at the same time”
Turkish ambassador to Azerbaijan Hulusi Kilic gives an interview to APA
- A year has passed since the signing of Zurich protocols between Turkey and Armenia. What are the latest developments in this field? Recently Turkish newspapers wrote about the Swiss efforts toward the restoration of discussions between the sides.
- Armenia declared it has frozen the protocols. But Turkey saved loyalty to the text and spirit of the protocols. We have always said that peace and stability in the Caucasus could be established through elimination of the borders. Turkey is very sincere in this issue. We desire peace and stability in the region. Today the opening of borders couldn’t bring comprehensive peace to the region. We would like Armenia normalizes relations with both Turkey and Azerbaijan. Turkish and Azerbaijani people are brothers. Everyone, including Western countries should know that. Resolutions of the United Nations, European Parliament and other international organizations should be fulfilled.
- What would you say about the EU pressure on Turkey to open the borders?
- European countries also support comprehensive peace in the South Caucasus. But it is injustice that 20 percent of a country is under the occupation and one million people turned into refugees. If there are peace and useful conditions in the South Caucasus, we have sincere intention to open all borders. We want good relations and zero problems with our neighbors. While Turkish-Armenian relations are normalizing, relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia have also to be normalized at the same time.
- Recently a group of Turkish politicians reportedly crossed into Armenia chanting for the opening of borders. How exact is this report?
- It is not true. I can’t say anything about that.
- Azerbaijan and Turkey signed relevant documents about the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council last month. What steps will be taken in the next phase to realize the Council’s activity? When its first meeting will take place?
- The Council’s first meeting has not been scheduled yet. But I consider that meetings will be held soon and there will be relevant understandings.
- What spheres will the Council cover concretely?
- It will cover all spheres, including economic, trade, cultural, anti-terrorist measures. We established such councils with Greece, Russia, Syria and Iraq. The Turkish-Greek strategic council was established in May. 12 ministers attended the first meeting where 18 documents were signed. The activity of other councils established together with other countries could be called effective.
- Turkish consul general has been appointed to Ganja a month ago. How are the works getting on in direction of organization of the Consulate’s activity? Is there planned to open consulates in other cities of Azerbaijan?
- Works are carried out in direction of start of consulate’s activity. Finding of a building, renting or purchasing, maintenance-reconstruction works an etc. demand time. But the consul general began his activity on September 15. I hope that consulate’s activity will be restored in the next few days. Currently, along with Ganja, Turkey has its consulate in Nakhchivan as well. Opening of consulates in other cities are not on the agenda yet.
- We would like you to speak about final state on works carried out in Turkish territory in direction of railway line launching to Nakhchivan from Gars as a continuation of Baku-Tbilisi-Gars railroad.
- We pay big attention to Nakhchivan. This territory has been entrusted to Turkey. Railway will be launched between gars and Nakhchivan after the implementation of Baku-Tbilisi-Gars. Moreover, launching of a gas line is also on the agenda. Researches and construction works related to railroad are underway. Trilateral meetings of Azerbaijani, Turkish and Georgian experts are held constantly. According to given information, the railroad will be opened in 2012.
- What does Turkey wait from parliamentary elections to be held in Azerbaijan in November?
- I believe that, these elections will be democratic, transparent, just and meet international standards. Basing on Azerbaijani national leader Heydar Aliyev’s opinion “One nation, two states”, we see the elected MPs as our own MPs. At the same time I want to say that Turkish MPs carry out their duties as representatives of Azerbaijani nation.
- Finally, what can say about the game between Azerbaijani and Turkish national football teams?
- Azerbaijan won a very beautiful victory. I congratulate all players, trainers and citizens of Azerbaijan on the occasion of this grand event. The best side won the victory in this significant game played between friendly and brotherly countries. As one of Azerbaijani players said after the game, we support each other during games with third countries. And the games between us are played in the framework of professionalism. Amicably and gentlemanlike behavior between the players of the two collective before the game should be seen as symbol of this conception. I am glad that football is developing rapidly in Azerbaijan as other sports. I wish success to Azerbaijani national team in the next Euro-2012 games.
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