Baku, Fineko/abc.az. Today Azerbaijani parliament (Milli Majlis) has opened discussion about the protocols on normalization of Turkish-Armenian ties signed on 10 October.

The MPs asked a question why the OSCE Minsk Group states’ foreign ministers who participated in the protocol signing ceremony failed to insist there on conflict settlement issues.

First vice speaker Ziafet Askerov claimed that unfortunately Milli Majlis had not concrete levers to urge the MG co-chairs to change their positions, but nevertheless, discussions with them should be continued and they must at last to do their business and continue exerting pressure upon Armenia.

“Everybody knows that Armenia is aggressor and has been occupying 20% of our territory, but when it comes down to solution of the issue, position on the occasion is lacking. What prevents Russia and the United States in particular to tell Armenia – withdraw your troops as you have occupied other country’s territory?,” Askerov said.

The MP also emphasized involvement of the same FMs in signing of Zurich protocols and pressure upon Armenia in a style “go and sign”.

“They say that there is no relation between Garabagh matter and issue of opening of borders between Turkey and Armenia. But if there is no relation, then why MG foreign ministers were present at the ceremony? It means that certain relation exists,” Askerov said.

He noted that Azerbaijan is always ready to receive the Minsk Group’s FMs for discussion of the conflict issue coverage.

“We invited them. 18 years have passed but they did not come.  Come at any moment if only there is a desire to solve the matter,” Askerov said.

Following the conflict Armenian has occupied 20% of Azerbaijani territory and 1 million people became refugees and IDPs.

21.10.2009 09:39