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Ali Hasanov: â€œConcern of Azerbaijani public and media over Turkey-Armenia relations is understandableâ€

19 February 2009 14:35 (UTC +04:00)

We know this issue as much as Azerbaijani media does. According to Armenian service of Radio Liberty, Turkey decided to open borders, establish diplomatic relations with Armenia and retracted from its previous position in order to make this decision. Unfortunately, Turkeyâ€™s official bodies neither refute, nor confirm these reports,â€ chief of socio-political department of the Presidentâ€™s Office Ali Hasanov said, APA reports.

The department chief said mass media covers understandable concern and discontent of Azerbaijani public and media.
â€œIt was always said during the presidency of Turgut Ozal, Suleyman Demirel and by Erdogan during AKPâ€™s ruling that political, economic, cultural or diplomatic relations will not be established with the aggressive state unless Armenia releases the occupied Azerbaijani territories, refugees and IDPs return to their native lands, peace is established in the South Caucasus and between Armenia and Azerbaijan. We believe this word and think that it is still so. But ask Turkish ambassador in Azerbaijan and other our Turkish friends why the issue is not made clear,â€ he said.

Ali Hasanov believes that Azerbaijanâ€™s public opinion is not insignificant for Turkish authorities.
â€œThe relations between Azerbaijan and Turkey are higher than the relations between two states. We have always made political and historical statements about eternal alliance. It is the duty of Turkish and Azerbaijani official and unofficial bodies to protect this alliance,â€ he said.