ID :
54465
Wed, 04/08/2009 - 15:25
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/54465
The shortlink copeid
AZERBAIJANI-TURKISH BUSINESSMEN ASSOCIATION ISSUES STATEMENT
Baku, 8 April (AzerTAc). The Azerbaijani-Turkish Businessmen Association (ATIB) has issued a statement over recent news spread by local and foreign media on opening of the Turkish-Armenian borders.
Expressing its deep concern over the issue, ATIB considers “that existing regional conflicts, including that of Armenia`s with Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh must be solved in compliance with principles of international law for maintenance of stability, welfare and sustainable economic progress in the region”.
In the statement, ATIB resolutely opposes the opening of the Turkish-Armenian borders, saying “it cannot be possible until Armenia leaves its territorial and genocide claims against Turkey, allowing scholars and historians to deal with the issue, until it stops using this as a tool of political pressure against Turkey and until it withdraws its troops from Azerbaijan’s internationally-recognized territories, allowing refugees and IDPs to return to their home lands”.
“Otherwise opening of the borders will only meet interests of Armenia and its patrons,” the statement said.
ATIB also called the supporters of the plans to open the borders between Turkey and Armenia to “listen to voice within you and answer us! Would you accept opening of the Azerbaijani-Armenian borders if 20 percent of Turkey`s territory was under Armenia`s occupation and one eighth of its population were refugees and IDPs?”
In conclusion, ATIB expressed hope “that considering a right concern of the Azerbaijani and Turkish public, the Turkish government will approach the issue more delicately and carefully and assume the state interests of Turkey and Azerbaijan as a basis”.
Expressing its deep concern over the issue, ATIB considers “that existing regional conflicts, including that of Armenia`s with Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh must be solved in compliance with principles of international law for maintenance of stability, welfare and sustainable economic progress in the region”.
In the statement, ATIB resolutely opposes the opening of the Turkish-Armenian borders, saying “it cannot be possible until Armenia leaves its territorial and genocide claims against Turkey, allowing scholars and historians to deal with the issue, until it stops using this as a tool of political pressure against Turkey and until it withdraws its troops from Azerbaijan’s internationally-recognized territories, allowing refugees and IDPs to return to their home lands”.
“Otherwise opening of the borders will only meet interests of Armenia and its patrons,” the statement said.
ATIB also called the supporters of the plans to open the borders between Turkey and Armenia to “listen to voice within you and answer us! Would you accept opening of the Azerbaijani-Armenian borders if 20 percent of Turkey`s territory was under Armenia`s occupation and one eighth of its population were refugees and IDPs?”
In conclusion, ATIB expressed hope “that considering a right concern of the Azerbaijani and Turkish public, the Turkish government will approach the issue more delicately and carefully and assume the state interests of Turkey and Azerbaijan as a basis”.
