ANSPRESS 12.10.2009

Lala SHEVKET: "TURKISH POLITICIANS ARE MASTERS OF THEIR WORD"

Interview of ALP Leader Lala Shevket to ANSPRESS - After the signing of Turkey-Armenia protocols the borders are supposed to be opened in 2 months period. What will this bring to Azerbaijan and the region? - As we know the protocols have been signed in Zurich on October 10. Oral declarations shoulds have been presented after the ceremony and the question of Qarabagh should have found its place in the Turkish declaration. But this did not happen. There was a lot of tension. Only through Hillary Clinton's mediation the problem was solved. For the first time, signing of such important documents was not followed by oral declarations. As for the question of borders being opened in 2 months time, we must first remember that without parliamentary ratification these protocols will remain just pieces of paper. Turkish leadership have stated many times that borders between Turkey and Armenia are not going to be opened until all occupied territories of Azerbaijan are freed from occupation. Turkey's Prime-Minister Erdogan has repeated this statement yesterday. We all know that value of a politician equals value of his word. If politician's word is cheap, he is cheap himself. I am sure that Turkish politicians are masters of their word. I am sure that Turkey will never take a step against Azerbaijan's interests. - By signing these protocols what was Turkey aiming at? - By this action Turkey has solved 4 strategic matters. First, conforming to conditions of EU membership. Second, creation of a commission, consisting of historians, to look into the question of fictitious Armenian "genocide", and neutralising the United States and other Western countries in this matter. Third, change in the balance of powers in the South Caucasus, and this change being in Turkey's favour. Fourth, bringing the Qarabagh conflict to the attention of superpowers and the global community as a matter of priority. That is, if Armenia continues after that to exhibit unconstructive attitude, the pressure will be applied to Armenia, rather than Turkey and Azerbaijan. From this point of view I consider very important the signing of the protocols and transformation of the South Caucasus region into an essential object of geopolitical processes. I am sure that until the Qarabagh question is solved Turkey's Grand National Assembly will not ratify the protocols. - In your view will the signing of these protocols strengthen or weaken Ankara's position in the future? - It will strengthen the position of Turkey strategically. I have deep respect for both the President and the Prime-Minister of Turkey. I have never seen them go back on their word. I believe their word unequivocally. - But the attitude towards establishing relations between Turkey and Armenia is not met unequivocally by the Azerbaijani society... There are even those considering it a betrayal. - I would say that there is no need for emotions here. We must evaluate the developments from a strategic point of view. Azerbaijan itself must carry out prompt foreign policy. Azerbaijan must not wait for its problems to be solved by Turkey, USA or Russia. Azerbaijan must change its home policies, for without changes to home policies foreign policy will not change. Azerbaijan's image is quite negative in the eyes of the world today. Azerbaijan is considered a country with high level of corruption, low level of fight against corruption; it is perceived as a prison of journalists, etc. Image is a very important matter. If we are waiting something from the international community and organisations we must take that into thorough consideration. - Was the Qarabagh question a topic of negotiations between Turkey and Armenia? - In this matter Turkey wanted to solve the Qarabagh conflict alongside its negotiations with Armenia. There were many hopes for the Chisinau meeting. Nothing came out of it. Because there was a lot of pressure on Sarqsyan both from the diaspora and the opposition. - Serj Sarqsyan has stated in the Armenian press that the question of returning the districts around Upper Qarabagh has not been discussed with his Azerbaijani counterpart. - That is not true. They have met seven times already. Well, they have not been discussing weather and health all these long hours, have they? Sarqsyan's statement is ridiculous and not to be believed. - How should Azerbaijan behave in such a situation? - Unfortunately, there are no opportunities in Azerbaijan for creation of a public opinion. Mass rallies are carried out in Turkey and Armenia concerning the protocols. However, there is no freedom of assembly in Azerbaijan. Thus, we cannot show the world what Azerbaijani public wants, what position it stands on. There is calmness in Azerbaijan. This is a very negative moment. There are mass rallies in Turkey supporting Azerbaijan, but everything is calm here in Azerbaijan itself. This damages Azerbaijan very much. I believe Azerbaijani public must say its word. But without emotions, for Turkey has always supported Azerbaijan, and I am sure will always support. - In a word, you completely trust Turkey? - Yes, I do.

Ilham Sultanov