We expect Turkey to forgo any step against Azerbaijan’s interests

We believe that Turkey will stay away from taking a step which might be against the national interests of Azerbaijan, said Ali Ahmadov, Deputy Chairman and Executive Secretary of ruling New Azerbaijan Party (YAP).

Referring to the recent efforts by Turkey and Armenia to normalize relations and open the common border between the two countries, he said “we respect the Turkish government’s especially Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s pledge never to open borders with Armenia before Nagorno Karabakh conflict is settled”.

He expressed hope that the Turkish government will stick to the normalization of relations within its pledge.

“We are convinced that the settlement of Nagorno Karabakh will remain in the focus of attention in any reconciliation negotiations between Turkey and Armenia,” he underscored.

Turkey closed its border with Armenia in 1993 to support Azerbaijan when Armenian Armed Forces attacked Azerbaijan to occupy Upper Karabakh region amid the chaos after the USSR collapsed. Armenia still keeps 20% of Azerbaijani territory under occupation in contravention of the UN resolutions on unconditional withdrawal from the illegally invaded areas. Despite diplomatic efforts and negotiations on pullout, Armenia still continues to defy the international laws.

Azerbaijan said it will resort to any means including military option to wrest back its lands if negotiations are fruitless.

APA