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MP Reshat Dogru: â€œWe will raise the claims that Turkey has given up the stipulation of Nagorno Karabakh in the Parliamentâ€

19 February 2009 17:19 (UTC +04:00)

-What can you say about the reports that Turkey has given up the stipulation of Nagorno Karabakh in the negotiations with Armenia? How true are these reports?

-We hope these claims are not true, because Azerbaijan and Turkey are two brother states. The grief of one state is the grief of the other. If Turkish government takes such a wrong step, it will damage both states. According to the position of the Nationalist Movement Party, the main aim is to achieve Armeniaâ€™s withdrawal from Azerbaijani lands. Without this no relations should be established between Armenia and Turkey, relations should not be improved. We can not forget Armeniansâ€™ savageries in Karabakh. We can not forget Khojaly. Turkey should not establish any relations with Armenia unless at least Armenians leave Azerbaijani territories.

-Does it mean that You do not support holding any discussions between Turkey and Armenia?

-Yes, it does. No discussions should be held. I do not regard it as normal. It is not right to take these steps, just because European Union and US want it, it contradicts our brotherhood and national interests.

-Do you think Turkey has taken these steps under foreign pressures?

-I think the government takes these steps under foreign pressures. But Turkish people do not think so. Turkish people are always with Azerbaijan and regard Karabakh problem as their own problem. Relations with Armenia should not be discussed, unless this problem is solved.

-Changes are felt in the statements of Turkey â€“ unlike the previous statements, now they only say â€œWe support your territorial integrityâ€. Can we regard it as giving up?

-We can not give up the stipulation of Nagorno Karabakh if we support the territorial integrity, we should say it openly. Karabakh is Azerbaijanâ€™s land and no step will be taken unless these lands are returned. We should underline it in all our statements. Turkey-Azerbaijan relations should be above all. Brotherhood, neighborhood and strategic partnership require it.

-Are you going to raise the issues worrying Azerbaijani public before the government?

-Of course. I have presented bill on Khojaly tragedy to the parliament. I think that Turkey should recognize Khojaly tragedy as genocide. Moreover, we intend to bring to the agenda the claims that Turkey has given up the stipulation of Nagorno Karabakh. I will raise issue about it.

-What steps will you take if Turkey opens borders or establishes diplomatic relations with Armenia?

-Our reaction will be severe. Everything is obvious â€“ Karabakh is under occupation and no relations can be established unless the occupation ends. If the government takes such a step, it will meet our strict reaction.