Today.Az » Politics » Azerbaijani parliamentarian: Armenia needs to change its behavior
05 April 2010 [16:31] - Today.Az
Interview with member of the Azerbaijani Milli Majlis (Parliament) Aydin Mirzazade.
Turkish PM Erdogan is going to visit the U.S. on April 12-13. In your opinion, will the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict be discussed as part of Erdogan’s meeting?
This visit will promote rapproachment between two great nations of the world. I think they have something to discuss - deepening of bilateral relations and exchange views on important issues, cooperation in political, economic and other fields.
Hopefully, settlement of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh will be discussed during Erdogan’s Washington visit given that Turkey has principled position on this matter from the outset to support Azerbaijan in its struggle for territorial integrity.
It is noteworthy that in his speeches Erdogan always focuses on the Armenian occupation of Azerbaijani territories. I think that this visit will not make exception.
In your view, what changes may Erdogan’s visit bring about in resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and Armenian-Turkish relations?
I think it will be Turkey’s another contribution to resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. I think much depends on principled and fraternal position of Turkey.
Turkey’s move to close border with Armenia in 1993 has not allowed the latter to expand its occupation and, most importantly, made the world think about the Armenian aggression against Azerbaijan. Once this issue is debated during Erdogan's forthcoming visit to the U.S., it will accelerate resolution of the conflict.
In addition, we must not forget that the U.S. is co-chair of OSCE Minsk Group. The United States should intensify its position on this issue. Because when the aggressor feels unpunished, it naturally will not be interested in resolving the conflict on the basis of international legal norms.
With regard to the Armenian-Turkish relations, as seen from the side, Turkey's position on them is unequivocal. Armenia should not expect Turkey to change its position until it withdraws from the occupied territory of Azerbaijan, Turkey’s close ally.
The time of Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan’s visit to the U.S. coincides with Turkish PM’s visit. Do you believe they will hold a bilateral meeting? What result this meeting may have?
Even if such a meeting takes place, it will be of a diplomatic nature. Sargsyan is well aware of Turkey’s position. I think Armenia should change its behavior and not expect other countries to support its aggressive policy.
Do you think Sargsyan will be able to persuade Barack Obama to utter the word "genocide" during his annual speech on April 24?
I do not think it will happen. The United States is a country with a centuries-old traditions. Though during his election campaign Barack Obama was inclined to support position of the Armenian diaspora, but as the head of state, he took a pragmatic official position. That is, the U.S. will not sacrifice its national interests for the sake of nationalistic interests of the Armenian diaspora.
In addition, the so-called "Armenian genocide" has been confirmed neither by historians nor historical documents. The Armenian performance on the recognition of "genocide" has come to an end. The peak of this issue has long passed. Major states are already aware of how dangerous game Armenia has ventured.
/Day.Az/
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