Gudrat Hasanguliyev: “I have no doubt that bringing the protocols to agenda on the eve of Chisinau meeting is a pressure on Azerbaijanâ€- INTERVIEW
-Your party demonstrates more severe position concerning the next stage launched for normalizing the relations between Armenia and Turkey…
-Unfortunately, Turkey has undertaken commitment under pressures to reopen the borders and establish diplomatic relations with Armenia. Actually, it happened long ago, but is made public only now. On the other hand, it is regretful that some try to blame Azerbaijan for this. Some persons calling themselves politicians began to blame Azerbaijan. But it is obvious that these protocols do not contain any points about Azerbaijan and Erdogan government is going to reopen the borders. Some diplomats say the parliament may not pass these protocols. This is less probable. The whole world knows that AKP holds the majority of seats in the Turkish parliament. How won’t they support the protocol initiated by the representatives of that party in the government? What will Turkey say to the world powers, if this happens? This will damage Turkey’s international image more. On the other hand, some of our “politicians†say Turkey waited Azerbaijan for 16 years. This is a wrong approach. The fact is if Azerbaijan can not solve this problem, then Turkey can not solve it either. These states are brothers, they should solve the problems together. Who can say that Turkey should establish relations with PKK, as it fails to solve the problem with PKK for 20 years? PKK committed terror attacks against Turkey, and Armenians actions were more terrible.
Erdogan supported Muslims in Davos forum, AKP always made use of religion. What happened? Aren’t we Muslims? That’s why we will picket outside Turkish embassy on September 15 after visiting the monument erected to Turkish soldiers. Slogans “One minute, Davos conqueror, we are also Muslims!â€, “Long live Turkish unity!â€, “How do you differ from Persians and Russians?†will be chanted in the picket.
These processes show that Azerbaijani people should rely only on themselves. Azerbaijanis should unite, the army should be strengthened. We should build a professional army and influence Armenia. Only the power of the army can influence the aggressor.
-There were serious protests in Turkey, when the issue on the reopening of borders was discussed first. But now the protests are weaker. What is the cause?
- A long time has passed and the issue is brought to agenda for several times and becomes an ordinary one for the people. Someone in Turkey think that they can make friends with Armenia by this step. It is absolutely wrong. Armenia will strike Turkey at the earliest opportunity. It will put forward territorial claims against Turkey and bring the genocide issue to agenda again. Therefore it is mistaken to think that the re-opening of borders will solve problems.
- There is an idea that five regions will be released in certain round of Turkish –Armenian negotiations. Following that borders are opened and Turkey allowed concrete time for Armenia to withdraw from other occupied territories of Azerbaijan. If the territories are not released, the borders will be closed again. How is it believable?
- It is absurdity. When these talks came to agenda, Serzh Sargsyan stated for several times that there is no Armenian in the world, who agrees with remaining of Nagorno Karabakh within Azerbaijan. He said they would never return Nagorno Karabakh to Azerbaijan. It is absurdity to think that the re-opening of borders will be within the interests of Azerbaijan after those statements. Armenians may intend to sign an agreement, which gives Nagorno Karabakh to Armenia instead of liberation of regions around Nagorno Karabakh. The world doesn’t experience any case that invader country was enticed and agreed to withdraw from occupied lands. The invaders should be under pressure and national resistance and guerilla war should be waged against the invaders.
- U.S. and France welcomed the protocols as soon as those were announced. How do you value that?
- Russia’s intention to be outside of this process is also purposive. Russia knows that its participation in this process can irritate Azerbaijan and Turkey. Russia demonstrates its neutrality now. But I say that after the re-opening of Turkish-Armenian borders, Georgia will face with heavy problems. Armenia will put forward serious claims after its access to Europe via Turkey. It already put forward claims against Georgia. Ahmet Davutoglu’s visit to Georgia also concerned this issue. Turkey thinks that it will bring peace to the region by re-opening of borders, but it brings new wars and disrupted the balance. Turkey’s policy was not evaluated to the bitter end and it will see its results. Turkey can’t prevent the wars in the Caucasus, when Armenia will not need in Georgia. It is impossible that Armenia will make concessions after that. The invaders always face with sanctions in the world and there were no actions to strengthen the invaders.
- How do you value the ideas that the protocols were purposefully announced on the eve of Chisinau meetings of the presidents?
- In any case, the protocols have an impact on the meeting. Probably Armenia will become more aggressive encouraging by the last developments. I have no doubt that bringing the protocols to agenda on the eve of Chisinau meeting is a pressure on Azerbaijan. EU and U.S. intend to isolate Azerbaijan from Turkey and to force us to make concessions. They are already achieving part of their intentions. Azerbaijan always relied on Turkey and be proud of this country. But now we see the Turkey’s position.
- The United States appointed new co-chair. Will it create serious changes in the processes?
- Nothing will change. The diplomats are following the government’s policy and fulfilling its orders. U.S. policy is that Azerbaijan should make concessions. It is a policy, which supports military violence in the world. It is a policy based on double standards. It will never bring peace to the Caucasus. President of Azerbaijan said he would never sign a document, which leads to the independence of Nagorno Karabakh. They can not force Azerbaijani people to capitulatory peace.
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