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Speaker of Azerbaijani parliament and Swiss Foreign Minister discuss Turkey-Armenia relations

18 September 2009 11:37 (UTC +04:00)

The parliament told APA that yesterday the delegation met with head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (the Swiss Foreign Minister) Micheline Calmy-Rey. They discussed a number of issues of mutual interest. Appreciating this kind of visits Micheline Calmy-Rey said Switzerland is interested in cooperating with Azerbaijan.
â€œSerious arrangements are being made in connection with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyevâ€™s visit to Switzerland in October. Switzerland is looking forward to his visit,â€ she said.

Touching on Armenia-Azerbaijan problem Micheline Calmy-Rey noted that the Swiss government commissioned the Federation Department of Foreign Affairs to mediate in Turkey-Armenia negotiations.

Ogtay Asadov expressed his hope the relations will continue to develop. Speaker expressed his gratitude to the Swiss government for supporting Azerbaijanâ€™s territorial integrity and noted that one of the main causes of closure of Turkey-Armenia borders was the occupation of Azerbaijani territories by Armenia.
â€œThis problem has not been solved for years. Armenia ignores the international legal norms and decisions and resolution adopted by the international organizations. Azerbaijan is not going to interfere in the internal affairs of Turkey or Armenia. But everybody should know that the process of the reopening of the borders and release of the territories should be realized simultaneously. Those who protest against it should understand that the reopening of the borders before the release of the occupied territories does not only contradict Azerbaijanâ€™s interests but also may damage the maintenance of peace and stability in the South Caucasus,â€ he said.