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Ahmet Davutoglu: â€œWe are very close to peace in the Caucasusâ€

25 December 2009 15:55 (UTC +04:00)

Ahmet Davutoglu said they had discussed the development of the bilateral relations and situation in the region, particularly settlement of Nagorno Karabakh conflict.
â€œWe think we are very close to peace in the Caucasus. Everybody should try not to lose this opportunity. Minsk Group should do its best to increase the dynamics to solve the conflict. Our policy aims to end occupations in the region and open the close doors. There is all-round cooperation and coordination between Azerbaijan and Turkey in all issues,â€ he said.

Elmar Mammadyarov said they had discussed the urgent issues and problems.
â€œFirst of all we discussed the most serious security problem in the region, Nagorno Karabakh conflict. We believe that occupation and the problem of refugees is the biggest obstacle for the stability and development. How can we speak about peace and security while 20 percent of Azerbaijanâ€™s territories are under occupation?â€ he said.

Elmar Mammadyarov noted that Turkey-Azerbaijan relations were on the highest level.
â€œOur presidents often meet, talk, the meeting of the intergovernmental commission will be held next year,â€ he said.

Then the ministers responded the questions of journalists. APA correspondent reminded about Prime Minister Erdoganâ€™s statement in the United States on the dependence of ratification of the Turkish-Armenian protocols on the parliament and asked Davutoglu about the fate of protocols. Davutoglu said the Turkish parliamentâ€™s will is superior: â€œThe Prime Minister explained the policy of our government toward this issue for many times. The issue was also discussed in the United States and our position was explained there. We sincerely wish to normalize relations with Armeniaâ€.

Turkish journalist asked about the recent misunderstandings between Azerbaijan and Turkey stressing that Davutoglu has visited Azerbaijan for four times since his appointment to the ministerial post, but Mammadyarov visits Turkey officially for the first time. Davutoglu said they would never allow misunderstandings between Turkey and Azerbaijan. â€œWe are regularly holding consultations and meeting frequently, sometime we are talking with Mr. Mammadyarov everyday. There is a principle of â€œOne nation, two statesâ€ for that. We can solve any discord by the talks. The historic ties between Azerbaijan and Turkey will never be cutâ€.

Mammadyarov also confirmed his colleagueâ€™s ideas and reminded that Turkey was the first country recognizing the independence of Azerbaijan. â€œAzerbaijani state and people always feel the support of Turkey. It is some ridiculous to evaluate the relations for the number of visits. I frequently visit Istanbul to be on transit during my travels abroad. This is not my first visit to Turkey. I have been on working visits to Turkey for many times. We are talking as the brothersâ€.