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Ambassador Hulusi Kilic: Turkey-Armenia borders will not be opened within the framework of the NATO exercises â€“ INTERVIEW

Ambassador Hulusi Kilic: Turkey-Armenia borders will not be opened within the framework of the NATO exercises â€“ <font color=red> INTERVIEW </font>

26 July 2010 13:37 (UTC +04:00)

Baku. Elnur Mammadli â€“ APA. APAâ€™s interview with Turkish ambassador to Azerbaijan Hulusi Kilic

-What measures are being taken for visa free regime between Turkey and Azerbaijan?

-As is known, the Azerbaijanis traveling to Turkey do not need visa, while visa is required from the citizens of Turkey. We want abolition of the visa regime soon. Discussions have been held. We expect the visa regime to be abolished in the coming days. There have been and are contacts in connection with it. We simply expect Azerbaijan to take a step. I want travel between Turkey and Azerbaijan to be realized by ID cards, not by passports. It should be done as we are one nation. The travel between Turkey and Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is so. Travel among the countries in Europe is also so.

-Is there any official proposal in connection with it?

-Not yet. I think we should first abolish visa travel and then discuss this issue.

-Reports have recently spread that Turkey-Armenia border will be opened for a week in connection with the NATO military exercises in Armenia. Is this true?

-These reports are groundless. The opening of the borders is not discussed. Exercises will be held in Armenia and three from Turkey will attend them. There has not been any proposal in connection with it, but reports spread about it. Turkey-Armenia borders will not be opened within the framework of the NATO exercises.

-Religious counselor of the Turkish embassy ended his mission in Azerbaijan. Is there new appointment to this post?

-Muzaffer Shahin has not left yet, but there will be a new appointment after Muzaffer Beyâ€™s leaving. The new counselor will probably be appointed next month.

-There is news about your appointment to Europe after ending the mission in Azerbaijanâ€¦.

-Azerbaijan is important for me than European and Asian countries. I could leave for Europe if I wished. I am here to serve a nation. I am continuing my mission here. There is nothing yet about ending of my mission here. I am pointing out that Azerbaijan is important for me. I am here to serve this nation. Europe and other countries can be important for others, but for me, my homeland is important. I am very satisfied with my job here. I would like to contribute more, but I did what I could do. There are many duties we have to do.

-When Azerbaijan-Turkey agreement on gas supply to Nakhchivan will start to be implemented?

-This document was signed in Nakhchivan last week. I think this issue will be realized in couple of years. There is Kars-Nakhchivan railway project as well. Air communications has been already launched and prices are very low. We attach great importance to Nakhchivan. This is a save entrusted to Turkey. We are happy for the development in Nakhchivan. We see the development of Azerbaijan as our own development.