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Azerbaijani political parties protest against protocols signed by Turkey and Armenia - POLL

Azerbaijani political parties protest against protocols signed by Turkey and Armenia - <font color=red>POLL</font>

12 October 2009 16:18 (UTC +04:00)

Baku. Elnur Mammadli â€“ APA. â€œArmenia and Turkey have been holding discussions on the normalization of the relations for a long time. So, the signing of the protocols was expected,â€ leader of National Unity Movement Lala Shovkat told APA. She said the main point attracting Azerbaijanâ€™s attention, the issue contradicting the countryâ€™s interests is that the borders will be reopened two months after the protocols are ratified. Lala Shovkat noted that there is no need to hurry.
â€œDo not forget that the protocols will be effective after the parliament ratifies them. On the other hand, Turkey solves four strategic issues by signing the protocols: establishing diplomatic relations with Armenia as the main stipulation for EU integration, creating joint commission on genocide claims, extending Turkeyâ€™s influence in the South Caucasus and bringing Nagorno Karabakh to the focus of attention of the world community after signing the protocolsâ€¦ in this stage much attention will be paid to the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. Moreover, I do not believe that contradicting to the statements of the Turkish officials the borders will be reopened before the conflict is solved. Turkey can not damage Azerbaijanâ€™s national interests. This issue will be solved in accordance with Azerbaijanâ€™s interests,â€ he said.

Chairman of Musavat Party Isa Gambar regards the signing of the protocols as a part of a long and hard process. Gambar told APA:
â€œAll the processes in the region reached a deadlock, Turkey is making efforts to break the deadlock. This is risky enough, and these risks do not concern only Turkey and Armenia. There is a risk for Azerbaijan, Georgia and the forces having interests in the region. Azerbaijan should be able to overcome this risky period attentively without making mistakes. The best way for Azerbaijan is to assess the issues with Turkey and overcome the risks together.â€

Isa Gambar said the impact of the protocols on the Nagorno Karabakh will depend on these approaches. Only due to the well-considered position the negative influence of the protocols on the process can be reduced. As regards Azerbaijanâ€™s position on the issue, Isa Gambar said he regards the official position as normal.
â€œI think that Azerbaijanâ€™s negative attitude towards the protocols is a factor strengthening Turkeyâ€™s position. But its exaggeration will not be favorable,â€ he said.

Parliamentarian from New Azerbaijan Party (YAP) Aydin Mirzazadeh has negative opinion of the protocols. He told APA that Turkey is fully independent in its foreign and domestic policy.
â€œBut there are promises made by Turkey that the borders will not be reopened unless Armenia withdraws its troops from the occupied Azerbaijani territories. As there is an official position on this, signing of protocols on opening of Turkey â€“ Armenia borders does not coincide with the statements. But I hope that the Turkish Parliament will approach the issue from the position of Great Ataturk.

According to Chair of Great Salvation Party, MP Fazil Mustafa, the signing of protocols is the beginning of new foreign policy course of Turkey and all these cases are the steps resulting with the weakness of Azerbaijanâ€™s position in Nagorno Karabakh problem: â€œHowever, one should attentively follow the steps Turkey will take henceforth in order not to allow those steps to prejudice Azerbaijan. I think Azerbaijan should pursue its own independent policy and determine alternative policy in Nagorno Karabakh issue. Anyhow, Turkeyâ€™s expressing a direct position to Nagorno Karabakh issue can be assessed as a step contrary to the protocols signed with Armenia. Therefore, Turkey will act so attentively in these issues and choose the ways of indirectly defending Azerbaijan. And it doe not completely meet the interests Azerbaijanâ€.

Azerbaijan National Independence Party made a statement on signing of protocols. The partyâ€™s press service told APA that the party expressed regret for the signing of protocols.

Union for Democracy also expressed its concern over the signing of protocols. It was decided to hold the next Karabakh Forum in regard to the talks conducted on solution to Nagorno Karabakh conflict and the protocols mentioned above.