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Ali Ahmadov: We expect Turkey to forgo any step against Azerbaijanâ€™s interests

05 September 2009 09:07 (UTC +04:00)

Referring to the recent efforts by Turkey and Armenia to normalize relations and open the common border between the two countries, he said â€œwe respect the Turkish governmentâ€™s especially Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoganâ€™s pledge never to open borders with Armenia before Nagorno Karabakh conflict is settledâ€.

He expressed hope that the Turkish government will stick to the normalization of relations within its pledge.

â€œWe are convinced that the settlement of Nagorno Karabakh will remain in the focus of attention in any reconciliation negotiations between Turkey and Armenia,â€ he underscored.

Turkey closed its border with Armenia in 1993 to support Azerbaijan when Armenian Armed Forces attacked Azerbaijan to occupy Upper Karabakh region amid the chaos after the USSR collapsed. Armenia still keeps 20% of Azerbaijani territory under occupation in contravention of the UN resolutions on unconditional withdrawal from the illegally invaded areas. Despite diplomatic efforts and negotiations on pullout, Armenia still continues to defy the international laws.

Azerbaijan said it will resort to any means including military option to wrest back its lands if negotiations are fruitless.