Azerbaijan, Baku, Aug. 25 / Trend T.Hajiyev /
Opening of border with Armenia is contrary to the interests of Turkey itself, and the Turkish-Azerbaijani relations, Political Innovation and Technology Center head Mubariz Ahmadoglu said today.
"Turkey defends Armenia upon the U.S.'s pressure. This move, which Turkey can take, is contrary to the country's own interests and the Turkish-Azerbaijani relations. This could be a serious blow to the Turkish-Azerbaijani relations. It can also delay settlement of the Karabakh conflict," Ahmadoglu said.
Earlier, media reported that Turkey may temporarily open the border on Sept. 11- 17 as part of the NATO military exercises in Armenia. However, Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu denied the rumors.
According to Ahmadoglu, Turkey is informed about specific plans in Azerbaijan.
"A common Turkish-Azerbaijani position should be on the issue of opening the border. Turkey must state that opening of the Turkish-Armenian border is in the hands of Azerbaijan. Only after such a statement may appear confidence that Turkey will not open borders under any circumstances," he added.
Ahmadoglu also spoke about the policy of the U.S. and Russia against Turkey.
"Armenia calls on Russia and the United States, so they forced Turkey to kneel in front of Armenia. The policy of the current Turkish government creates the conditions for it all. The frequent change of position and failure to dramatically declare its positions in accordance with its own interests attract the Armenians and their backers. This situation occurred for this reasons," Ahmadoglu said.
Diplomatic relations between Armenia and Turkey were severed in 1993 due to Armenia's claims of an alleged genocide and its occupation of Azerbaijani lands.
The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. Armenian armed forces have occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan since 1992, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts.
Azerbaijan and Armenia signed a ceasefire agreement in 1994. The co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group - Russia, France, and the United States - are currently holding the peace negotiations.
Armenia has not yet implemented the U.N. Security Council's four resolutions on the liberation of the Nagorno-Karabakh region and the occupied territories.
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